The Nationals made good with Chad Dukes of 106.7 The Fan after double-booking him with Katie Ledecky to throw out the first pitch.
In a genuinely touching gesture, Nats mascot Screech surprised Dukes as he arrived to work on Friday – literally right as he showed up – greeting him with a hug and a thoughtful gift.
(UPDATE: 'The Ride' goes down Friday, Aug. 31. Details.)
Dukes had been scheduled to throw out the first pitch at Nats Park on Wednesday. After mentally committing to it, Dukes learned the Nats had double-booked him with the five-time Olympic gold medalist, throwing him into a world of emotions – anger, sadness and embarrassment. Dukes did not throw out the first pitch and let his feelings be known in a volatile on-air screed.
That bridge to 1500 S Capitol Street, it seemed, had burned to the ground.
Until this happened.
Screech gifted Dukes with a bag of his favorite things: beer and Nats swag. And a letter, which reads:
Sorry about the first pitch stuff. We want to apologize and provide something special to make it up to you. First, please find enclosed some Nats swag and beer. Cause baseball and beer makes everything better. Second, we would like to invite you to be the first person ever to ride in the new bullpen cart during a game. We promise no NASCAR drivers will be participating with you. I hope you will join us for another game this season.
Dukes will be the first person to ride the Nationals' newly unveiled WGL Energy bullpen cart. He joined Grant & Danny to offer his real-time reaction on air.
Dukes: The fact that they just swung in on a vine and ambushed me, it was perfect, and it was a very – I hate this – it was a sweet moment. I was genuinely moved and I really appreciated it, because, you know, every once in a while, I feel like a pariah over there. I'm tearing up a little.
Danny: Dude. It was legit touching.
Dukes: It was very touching.
Grant: By the way. People think you're doing a bit. Dukes just wiped his eyes.
Dukes: I'm tearing a little bit up.
Sometimes, even a simple gesture, when you expected nothing, can bring you to your knees.
The @Nationals just brokered one heck of a peace offering with @chaddukes! Thanks for delivering the olive branch, @ScreechTheEagle! pic.twitter.com/5LgjoWFPUr
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) August 24, 2018I have to say this was incredibly touching. Thank you the @ScreechTheEagle & the @Nationals! https://t.co/E22nfWGKc5
— chad dukes---- (@chaddukes) August 24, 2018I needed this more! -- https://t.co/FfECdH4nfu
— SCREECH (@ScreechTheEagle) August 24, 2018Follow @ChrisLingebach and @1067TheFan on Twitter
