Great time to be an American': MLB player 'inspired' after attending State of the Union

Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth attended the State of the Union on Tuesday, and he gave the whole experience an overwhelmingly positive review.

What did he think?

Werth said he came in without expectations, and left feeling a strong sense of patriotism.

“I didn’t really know what to expect coming in,” Werth said. “You know, this was the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. I felt like it was a great time to be an American, and I thought President [Donald] Trump did a great job. He hit all the points, and he spoke really well, and I was inspired.”

Why was he there?

Werth was a guest of Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).

The two met because Werth owns an organic farm in Southern Illinois, and is active in lobbying for organic farming. He spoke to the Organic Trade Association in May, and met Davis, the representative for his farm’s district, on a lobbying trip to Capitol Hill in December.

It was a short trip for Werth, who has played for the D.C.-based Nationals since 2009 and is a full time resident.

Werth advocates for policy changes that will benefit the specific needs of organic farmers, who spend more on their produce. One significant issue for Werth is import laws that negatively impact prices for U.S. farmers.

Future political aspirations?

Werth is 38, which means he is near the end of his professional baseball career. With his growing experience as a political activist, he wouldn’t totally rule out the possibility that he would consider running for public office one day.

“I care about these things,” Werth said. “And I can’t play baseball forever. You hear about these guys, and after they’re done playing, they don’t really have much going on. Some do. But you have to have a plan, right?”