Stretching Through History: A D.C. Moment You Didn’t See Coming

When most people think of Washington, D.C., they picture towering monuments, the buzz of politics, and maybe a squirrel or two trying to steal your lunch on the National Mall. But me? I learned about baseball at Arlington National Cemetery.

Not just baseball—I'm talking about the 7th-inning stretch. You know, that moment during a game when everyone stands up, stretches, and pretends they’re suddenly back in choir? Turns out, we might owe that quirky little tradition to a U.S. President.

Legend has it that President William Howard Taft—yes, the big guy himself—was attending a game in 1910. Around the 7th inning, he stood up to stretch his legs (can't blame him—those ballpark seats are not comfy). The crowd saw him stand, and, assuming it was time for some kind of respectful gesture, they stood too. And just like that, a tradition was born. A spontaneous moment of “Well, if the president’s doing it…”

Now, whether that story is 100% historically verified is up for debate—but honestly, I don’t care. It’s the kind of D.C. trivia that makes history feel personal. Presidents: they’re just like us… get tired of sitting too long.

Beyond the ballpark, D.C. is full of these little nuggets—unexpected pieces of the past tucked between Smithsonian museums and food trucks. You come for the cherry blossoms or the Lincoln Memorial, and you leave with random baseball lore in your pocket.

Next time you're in the capital, go to a Nationals game. Stand up during the 7th inning. Stretch it out like you mean it. And maybe—just maybe—channel a little Taft energy while you're at it.