Baseball fans are more likely to tweet at their favorite players than send them a letter these days, but at least one team continues to receive plenty of mail.
Letters still arrive at the Washington Nationals’ clubhouse, The Washington Post reported this week. Although volumes have declined, the team employs two assistants who sort letters and place them in players’ lockers.
Most mail comes from autograph seekers, but some correspondence is heartfelt.
Shortstop Trea Turner once received a note from a child who wanted Turner to draw him a dog.
“I couldn’t tell you [why],” Turner told the Post, laughing. “He just wanted a picture of a dog.”
Pitcher Gio Gonzalez was once asked for $9,000 to pay a fan’s mortgage, while first baseman Ryan Zimmerman often receives birthday party invitations.
“I’ve never been. Usually my summers are pretty busy,” he said.
Japanese fans have sent drawings to several players, including right fielder Bryce Harper — who’s also the subject of letters to his teammates.
Catcher Jose Lobaton once opened a note that stated, “Hey Loby, I’m your biggest fan. You’re the future of the game. There’s a Bryce Harper card in here. Can you have him sign it please?”