Nationals' Patience With Dave Martinez in 2019 Saved Their Franchise
The Washington Nationals clinching a berth to the World Series is easily one of the most shocking storylines of 2019.
After losing Bryce Harper to the Phillies this offseason, many fans assumed the team wouldn't have the firepower to compete with the other contenders in the NL East. And by the end of May, this looked to be true.
The Nationals bullpen imploded, but they wouldn’t have been in that position if the offense had broken out of its slump. On an embarrassing loss which brought Ryan Zimmerman perspective: “Everyone says it’s early — you don’t want to keep saying that.”https://t.co/oW57ZKrK7X
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) April 28, 2019
The slow start had fans thinking Washington needed to make major moves, with many advocating for manager Dave Martinez to be fired.
Thankfully, the front office didn't listen to the noise and decided to stay the course. What followed was month after month of winning baseball, with the crazy turnaround that led the team to 93 wins and a Wild Card spot.
The #Nationals started 19-31 this season, only the 2005 Astros recovered from a worse 50-game start (18-32) to capture the pennant and head to the #WorldSeries.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) October 16, 2019
Martinez, who continued to fight despite a medical scare last month, deserves all the credit for never giving up on his underdog team. They've continued to overcome the odds in the postseason, making crazy comebacks on both the Brewers and Dodgers before sweeping the Cardinals to go to the World Series.
The Washington Nationals are going to the World Series. #Nats have comeback from a 19-31 start to win 93 games, a WC game, the Dodgers series in 5 games and now they have swept the Cardinals. Such a great moment for this franchise and fan base. This team is special.
— DC Sports Buzz (@DCSportsBuzzz) October 16, 2019
The front office decided to take a chance with a manager many would've canned, and ultimately saved the franchise.