In the past, my son and I have routinely gone to Nats games early and tried to snag autos of the Nats warming up. However, on at least a couple occasions this year, the ushers have been strict about not letting fans hang out along the first row while the players are warming up. Something about fans with tickets in the first row getting upset about not having immediate access to their seats. (Sniff, sniff.)

Meanwhile, across the diamond, the visitors have been signing up a frenzy because the ushers on that side don't seem to enforce the rule. Very frustrating -- all we're trying to do is be fans. (And I noticed the ushers seemed to forget the supposed rules when it came to a couple of attractive young women hanging out by the rail.)