Longtime Southwest resident: ‘We’re all just a part of Nationals Park’

Fans entering the Media Suites Lobby at Nationals Park are likely to come across Deborah Haynes, a guest experience representative who is known for welcoming guests with her signature statement, “alright now.”

A native Washingtonian, Haynes has lived in the Southwest neighborhood for 24 years and feels a deep connection with the people who live and work in the community. As a longtime resident of Southwest D.C., Haynes recognizes the impact that Nationals Park has made on the area.

“The Nationals brought a lot of opportunities here with the opening of the ballpark in 2008,” she said.

Haynes works alongside many of her neighbors, which she says creates a strong sense of community pride and is one of the many reasons she considers Nationals Park a second home.

“It doesn’t matter what color shirt you have on, or what section you work for. When you come in we’re all just a part of Nationals Park,” she said.

Whether she’s directing fans to different concession stands or showing guests how to get to their seats, Haynes enjoys her job and she is grateful for the opportunity to take on different responsibilities throughout the ballpark.

“Being a part of the Guest Services team is great because they make you feel special and let you know that you are making a difference in the park,” she explained. “I understand that what I do is important and that makes me feel good.”

Haynes has noticed that the Southwest community’s interest in the Nationals has increased significantly due to the team’s stellar start to the season.  She sees more people in the neighborhood wearing Nationals merchandise and says it’s clear that people in Southwest are proud of the team.

“The people in my neighborhood always stop and ask me if the team won,” Haynes said. “I am excited to tell them if they win, but if not, I let them know that we will get them next time.”

–By Lisa Edmunds