Being in Washington special for Astros on 9/11

WASHINGTON -- Several Astros players and coaches gathered around televisions inside the clubhouse at Nationals Park on Sunday morning, watching and re-living the historic and tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"I don't think anybody could ever forget what happened ten years ago," Jordan Schafer said. "It's one of those times where you're going to remember exactly what you were doing, exactly where you were."

• MLB.com's 2001 coverage after Sept. 11 • Baseball showed USA's post-9/11 resiliency • Castrovince: Public finds solace at ballparks • Bauman: However small, diversion is welcome • Noble: 10 years later, bagpipes and baseball • Giuliani recalls baseball's impact after 9/11 • Baseball recalls wide-ranging emotions • Bauman: Game shaken, resolved in aftermath • Mets' memories remain vivid • In New York, Cubs remember 9/11 heroes • Torre: Emotions from 9/11 remain today • Tragedy strikes 9/11 'Faces of Hope' • Where were they? Players recall 9/11 events • Events left impression on Fall Classic   Sights & Sounds: 2001 | 10 years later   Baseball Remembers: Pt. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5  Vin Scully on 9/11, 10 years later  Jack Buck's speech, poem  Giuliani on baseball's impact on recovery  First pitch: Shea Stadium | Yankee Stadium  Baseball's Best: Piazza's homer  Galleries: Tributes | First game back in NY More coverage ¬ Team travel became more complex after 9/11 Some stars from '01 still have impact today Announcers rekindled game's spirit Sammy saluted U.S. with flag-waving homer trot Yanks carried weight, hopes after 9/11 Day is one Mets will never forget After 9/11, 'God Bless America' a mainstay at ballgames Bauman: Baseball played part in healing Bodley: Bush's first pitch provided healing image Noble: 'First game back' a lasting memory for Chipper Film recalls 9/11 backdrop of 2001 Fall Classic Baseball plans day of remembrance for 9/11 Pain of 9/11 runs deep for NY native Cooper Marlins' Buck reflects on 9/11, recalls troops visit 9/11 still seared in Jays broadcaster's memory White Sox recall road trip to New York Chipper cherishes memento after all this time Braves' Hudson honored to take mound on 9/11 Francona: Baseball helped heal wounds Buck's touching speech resonates with Fredi Cuddyer's homers kept teammate off 9/11 flight Events of 9/11 etched in Marlins' memories Yost's 9/11 memories focus on aftermath September 11, One Year Later September 11, Five Years Later 9/11/2011 observances ¬ Collectively, Yanks and Halos honor 9/11 heroes Nationals pay tribute to 9/11 before finale Sen. McCain helps D-backs honor 9/11 victims Being in Washington special for Astros on 9/11 First responders honored in tribute in St. Louis Rays, Sox pause to honor those lost on 9/11 Tigers honor Detroit service workers Brewers, Phillies reflect on events of 9/11 Rockies, Reds pay tribute to 9/11 before game Indians reflect 10 years after Sept. 11 White Sox hold emotional 9/11 remembrance Rangers remember 9/11 with special ceremony Mariners pause to remember 9/11 Bucs, Marlins honor heroes, victims of 9/11 Royals players pause to remember 9/11 How you can help • 9/11 Memorial in New York • Flight 93 National Memorial • The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

With the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and the White House all within close distance, many players remarked on how touching it was to spend Sunday in the nation's capital.

"It just seems like it's stronger because we're here today," said manager Brad Mills, noting that the club passed the Pentagon on its way to the ballpark.

The Nationals had special ceremonies planned for Sunday, while the Astros will honor the memory of fallen heroes again on Monday after returning home to Minute Maid Park.

The club will also visit firehouses in the Houston area to present firefighters with framed, autographed jerseys before Monday's game.