Thursday, May 28

Nationals infielder Curtis Mead is one of just three Australian-born athletes to play in the Majors this season. Fans got to know his power at the plate when he hit two home runs on Monday. Now, get to know Mead off the field while he is playing baseball far from home. 

MLB.com: I am really into walk-up music, but I had never heard your song. What is the story behind it?

Mead: When I first got to the big leagues, I wanted to have an Australian song, per se. So I had the Men at Work song, but then I felt it was a bit too generic Australian. Flume, he’s actually Australian and not many people know that. So I kind of thought about him, RÜFÜS DU SOL or FISHER. I ended up landing on that song from Flume. 

MLB.com: What are some things from home that you have with you in D.C.?

Mead: Probably the only one is Vegemite. I quite enjoy that.

MLB.com: You know the jury’s out on that. 

Mead: Yeah, I know they are. My wife's actually American, she likes it. She's one of the only ones. So we have it at the house, which is nice, but that's about it.

MLB.com: For those who are not connoisseurs, how would you prepare Vegemite?

Mead: It starts with butter. Then it’s lightly spread. I think a lot of people go pretty heavy. And I think it looks like Nutella – but it’s very much not like Nutella. Just lightly spread on a nice piece of toast is the way to go. 

MLB.com: What are some of your favorite Australian phrases or verbiage that you use that are different from here?

Mead: What's funny is, going back and forth now, I start to forget what's what. My friends from Australia, when I get back home, they pay me out for sounding American. I’ll say, “Take the trash out,” where we would say “bin” or “rubbish.” There are a few [words]. I’m not really sure what they are, but guys like CJ [Abrams] and Milly [Drew Millas], they'll frequently be like, “Dude, what are you saying?” And I'm like, “Oh, I didn't realize you guys don't say that here.” 

MLB.com: What is the best Australian TV show or movie that people should know about?

Mead: I’m going to say Bluey. That’s what all the fans will say to me, “Do you watch Bluey?” And I’m like, “I don’t personally watch it, but everyone seems to love it.” So let’s go with that.

MLB.com: Growing up, what was your favorite show?

Mead: Teletubbies or The Wiggles. I think they’re Australian. 

MLB.com: Which one was your favorite?

Mead: The red one. 

(Looks down at the red Nationals T-shirt he is wearing.)

Mead: I love red. So we're in a good spot.

When the Metro pulled up, I didn’t expect to see the Nationals on board. Well, kind of. Check out this City Connect-themed subway. 

Friday: William & Mary Day*; Postgame Summer Concert Series – Taio Cruz

Saturday: CJ Abrams baseball card bobblehead giveaway (first 20,000 fans)

Sunday: Kids Racing Presidents hat giveaway (ages 12 and under); Youth Baseball and Softball Day*

* Special ticket required

Last week, the Nationals beat suffered a huge loss in the passing of Howard Fendrich. Howard’s journalistic excellence extended far beyond Nationals Park to the Olympics and the biggest tennis tournaments there are. 

When I joined the Nats beat in 2020, Howard was one of the first people I met. In fact, on my first day at Spring Training, he, Mark Zuckerman and Todd Dybas were kind enough to invite me to dinner. During that meal at Hullabaloo on Clematis Street, I immediately felt welcomed.

It was always fun when Howard was around in Spring Training and at Nats Park. He had a clever personality that kept you on your toes and a journalistic acumen that would leave you thinking, “That was a good question, I should have asked that.” But you knew you had to soak up his wit and wisdom that game because chances are, he had a global sporting event to cover the next day. 

When I attended the U.S. Open last year, I walked by the press box and imagined Howard was writing up a masterpiece in there. When I later told him that I had been there, he asked why I didn’t say hello. I told him I just figured he was busy doing a one-on-one interview with Serena Williams. I wasn’t even kidding. That was just a normal day at work for Howard. 

The fact that acclaimed tennis stars like Roger Federer were quoted in Howard’s obituary isn’t surprising – he was that good of a reporter. And the fact that the Nationals press box was devastated about his passing isn’t surprising – he was that good of a friend. 

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