As funny as it is to say, Teddy winning his first ever presidents race was a turning point in franchise history. It marked that the Nats had gone from lovable losers to a rising powerhouse.
On the last day of the 2012 season, it finally happened. After 533 losses, Teddy Roosevelt finally won the presidents race. After coming out of the gates slowly, a fake Philly Phanatic tripped up the other presidents and allowed the lovable loser to finally coast to victory.
This victory captured the mood of the fanbase at that moment in time.