Screech (mascot)

Screech
Screech during the 2019 World Series
TeamWashington Nationals
DescriptionBald eagle wearing a Nationals cap and jersey
Origin of nameThe sound made by a bald eagle
First seenApril 17, 2005
WebsiteOfficial Website

Screech is the mascot of the Washington Nationals. He is a bald eagle that wears the home cap and jersey of the team. He was "hatched" on April 17, 2005[1] at the "Kids Opening Day" promotion at RFK Stadium.[2] Screech’s name is based on the sound that is made by actual bald eagles. A nine-year-old fourth grade student in Washington, D.C., Glenda Gutierrez,[1] designed the mascot and won a contest sponsored by the team and explained that it was "strong and eats almost everything."[3][4]

In 2009, the Nationals unveiled a redesigned Screech. The new costume, designed by Major League Baseball's design department,[1] made the mascot slimmer and gave the mascot a removable cap. The Nationals explained that the original design was of an eagle that was always intended to grow up one day. A Nationals official described him as "like a teenager now".[5] The 2012 Topps Opening Day card described Screech as a dazzling dancer, full of loyal shenanigans directed at the opposing team.[6]

Screech in 2026

In subsequent years, the team created a number of in-stadium traditions around the mascot. Screech became the official judge of the team's Presidents Race and carries a flag around the field after victories. An annual "Kids Opening Day" event, held on a Sunday home game each April, was expanded to include a celebration of Screech's birthday. Additional costumes were added, including a special birthday hat, rain gear worn after rain delays, a Jedi robe worn on Star Wars Day,[7] and pajamas worn during extra innings of late night games.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Schultz, Kyley (October 26, 2019). "Who is the Nationals mascot?". WUSA9. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Washington Nationals hatch new mascot". The Tuscaloosa News. April 17, 2005. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
  3. ↑ "The story behind every team's mascot". MLB.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  4. ↑ Wilgoren, Debbi (April 18, 2005). "The Newest Eagle Has Landed". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  5. ↑ Steinberg, Dan. D.C. Sports Bog. "About Screech's Unveiling". March 2, 2009.
  6. ↑ "2011 Topps Opening Day - Mascots #M-25 Screech". www.tcdb.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  7. ↑ Epstein, Kayla (July 19, 2015). "Washington Nationals fans turn out in Force for first ever 'Star Wars Day'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
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