Writer dissed by the Potomac Nationals

Don Scott
Published: March 9, 2008

Well, I usually write to refute the rantings of Mr. Gary Jacobsen, but not today. But it’s springtime! The Potomac Nationals will be gearing up for another season at Pfitzner Stadium. They will soon be having a job fair to hire game day workers for home games.

Well, I will be one that won’t be there! I worked for the PNat/Cannons for three years in the press box — never missing a game and being told for over 220 games that I was doing a great job!  I worked the video board, but also did the scoreboard and the PA announcer jobs.

Unfortunately, last June 20, after 26 games, I was told I wouldn’t be “asked back when the PNats came back home.”  I was canned, fired, dismissed, whatever one might call it! And not in person, but via an unprofessional and impersonal phone call. There was no reason for being fired, no explanation, nothing! Just “do not come back.”

I had a “guest column” article published by the Potomac News supporting county funding of a new stadium.  I spoke at the County Supervisors meeting, not only supporting a new stadium but also commending the PNats management.

However, I was told this year I could come in on job weekend and join the teenagers selling hot dogs, taking tickets, and wiping seats for customers as an usher! After my highly responsible position in the press box, this was a totally belittling and demeaning thing to be told. And I wasn’t the only one canned last year. Another press box employee was also told to go away and not come back.

This irresponsible, unprofessional, heartless, uncaring approach has turned me completely against the PNats. To be tossed aside like a used kleenex tissue was a cruel thing to do.  Although the PNats do offer job experience for youngsters over the summer, I cannot support any funding of a new stadium for an organization that would treat its employees like they did me. I will speak against any county funding of a new stadium and couldn’t care less if they had to relocate the team.

If anyone wants to work for the PNats, I encourage you to give it your best shot. If you are hired, just don’t be surprised or shocked if, all of sudden, your employment is terminated without explanation or reason!

DON SCOTT

Woodbridge