The Washington Nationals: Finally, something that works in this town

Jonathan Karl, Richard Coolidge & Sherisse Pham

Spinners and Winners

Spinners and Winners took a trip to Nationals Park this week to cover something that actually works in this town -- the first-place Washington Nationals. Politicians, journalists, Republicans, Democrats -- everyone comes together to cheer on the Nats.

This is a major league baseball team that has seen some dark years, with nearly 300 losses in three years, they were one of the worst teams in baseball.

"When I first signed here in 2004, you'd have to break a guys arms to bring him over here," says shortstop Ian Desmond.

So what's going on this year? Solid team camaraderie and players that have finally gelled, says Desmond.

"I think I can honestly say Gio is the straw that stirs this drink," he said, teasing the young pitcher next to him. But in all seriousness, "Gio has brought a lot to the table. Obviously with his left arm, but his personality and his clubhouse presence are second to none."

"I mean you've got to give credit to other people too, you know," says pitcher Gio Gonzalez. "Not anyone here deserves a little less credit then the other. You know, everyone is getting their part, everyone is doing their part. And I think that is what makes this team so alive right now. It's just you look at us, we are always on the top step cheering us on, you know every play that's been out there or every hit, we are out there cheering like it is game seven of the World Series."

Is this the beginning of a dynasty? "That's exactly what we are trying to aim for," said Gonzalez.

A look in the stands often reveals that Washington hosts an atypical baseball crowd. Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, and columnists George Will and Charles Krauthammer often come out to root, root, root for the home team. Gonzalez says he wants to see President Obama in the stands again soon.

Do these star players think the Nats are headed to the playoffs? And can Gonzalez teach ABC News' Jonathan Karl the secret to his wicked curve ball? Check out this week's Spinners and Winners to find out.