Washington Nationals Store Extends Hours After NL East Clinch

At 8 Wednesday morning, as the players no doubt slept off the celebration of clinching the National League East division title the night before, the Washington Nationals team store at Nats Park was open for business. It will be open with extended hours Thursday and Friday, too. After all, what’s one of the first things loyal fans do after a clinch? Proudly wear the bragging rights, that’s what.

Customers examined and bought shirts and hats (at approximately $30 each) that matched what the players wore after their victory in Atlanta against the rival Braves. Business appeared brisk, if not a mad rush. There’s time. The team is on the road until a home game against the Mets next Tuesday evening.

The store’s extended hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM. Saturday and Sunday it will open, as usual, at 10 AM and close in the afternoon. In stock are gray and white hats and gray T-shirts reading “Champions 2014.” Still expected in the store are women’s wear and hoodies, though some of those items are available already on the website. According to spokesperson Alexandra Schauffler, “More options will be coming the closer we get to postseason games.”

Find Carol Ross Joynt on Twitter at @caroljoynt.