Dave Martinez heard the gunshots right away. The Nationals manager looked above the third base dugout and saw fans starting to scramble. As the commotion ensued, and Martinez was told the gunfire was outside the ballpark, Martinez focused on getting everyone off the field — ushering players, coaches and even the fans into the lower level of the stadium.
“For me, it was just about protecting our people,” Martinez said, “our own.”
Not even a full 24 hours later, Martinez was back at Nationals Park after a shooting caused Saturday’s game between the Nationals and the San Diego Padres to be postponed.