This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
WASHINGTON -- As CJ Abrams stepped up to the plate at Nationals Park, a trail of neon green followed with his bat.
Dubbed “The Alien” since childhood, Abrams incorporated the extraterrestrial creature into his Players' Weekend gear.
“It started as a nickname a long time ago,” Abrams said. “I kind of ran with it.”
2025 Players' Weekend
• Players' Weekend's most creative bats
• Here's how J-Rod helped a family rebuild its home
• Vlad Jr. spills on life as a girl dad
• Miz's support for Parkinson's awareness is deeply personal
• Complete coverage
• Little League Classic, presented by New York Life: SEA-NYM, Sun., 7 ET, ESPN
Among his customized Players' Weekend items are three bats, cleats and a belt. They complement the bejeweled alien head necklace he wears every game.
“That's his nickname, he's got the pendant and it's his brand, so I think it's awesome,” said Paul DeJong. “I love the neon green.”
One of Abrams’ bats is adorned with green alien faces; another has the word “Alien” written all over it. The design elements on his cleats include a UFO and an alien with dreadlocks and a lightsaber in the form of a bat.
Abrams used an alien-themed bat to drive in a run off Aaron Nola during the Nationals’ third-inning, six-run third-inning rally in Sunday’s 11-9 loss to the Phillies.
“The bats are really good this year,” said Jacob Young, who sits at the neighboring locker. “The one with all the alien heads on it, I told him not to use it because if he breaks it, I would be very mad. (laughs)
“... I think he's done a great job of incorporating that with everything. It's fun to see all the stuff he does, and it brings a cool little pop with all the lime green and stuff.”
The 2025 Players' Weekend began Friday and ran through Sunday. It is an opportunity to express interests, hobbies and causes on the field. Following the weekend, select authenticated items will be auctioned for charity.
“It's fun,” said Abrams. “It adds a little bit to the game. Everybody's kind of showing what they’ve got on the inside.”
Ahead of Players' Weekend, Abrams visited the Nationals' Youth Baseball Academy. He participated in drills, a home run contest and an equipment donation, including shorts and a T-shirt.
“I know the kids like it,” Abrams said of his nickname. “Alien [means] just be yourself out there, for sure.”