Teammate John Lannan covered Strasburg in shaving cream after his first start at Nationals Park. Photo courtesy AP Photo.

14 strikeouts, 7 innings pitched and zero walks.  Stephen Strasburg began his MLB career in awe.  Despite an excessive amount of hype placed on him before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, Strasburg pitched the game as if it were any other.  After bringing excitement and talent to Nationals Park, Strasburg is now becoming a baseball icon.

            With a crowd of more than 40,000 in the stands, Strasburg proved to the baseball nation that he is not only an astounding athlete, but performs superbly under pressure. More than 3,000 Cleveland fans bought tickets after they learned  Strasburg would  start against the Indians on June 13.

            There is not one example in which after every strike and strikeout thrown, the entire stadium sprouts up in avid excitement.  Fans would cheer jubilantly every time Strasburg surpassed the 100 mph mark. 

            Not only will Strasburg significantly help the Nationals, but he will also help the MLB.  Strasburg finally brings a much-needed superstar image to the MLB, which every other sport already contains.  With the NBA, there is Kobe Bryant, with the NFL there is Peyton Manning, with the NHL there is Alex Ovechkin and now with the MLB there is Stephen Strasburg.  Fortunately, he brings his superstar icon to the nation’s capitol.

            Baseball is still trying to regain the hearts of fellow Washingtonians, but with the arrival Strasburg, and eventually Bryce Harper, baseball is truly back in D.C once again.