Racing Presidents Tryouts

Baseball season is still a couple of months away, but the Washington Nationals are determined to be ready with newly recruited Racing Presidents. According to the team's web site, "The Washington Nationals are seeking part-time, seasonal staff to perform as the award-winning Racing Presidents. Each runner will wear a costume depicting one of the four Mount Rushmore presidents and race around Nationals Park while thousands cheer. Presidents will also pose for photos, sign autographs, and appear at select outdoor events."

Applicants must be between 5'7" and 6'6" and be at least 18 years old. They must also be able to run from center field to home plate -- about 200 yards -- in 40 seconds, and be able to stand wearing a costume that weighs about 45 lbs. for the duration of a game.

The deadline for applications is February 10, and there will be tryouts by invitation only, the team stresses, on February 18. So no wise guys in Millard Fillmore or William Howard Taft costumes need show up uninvited. The Racing Presidents web page is here, including photos. There are also numerous videos of the Racing Presidents racing, such as this one.