It was exactly one year ago today that the long-awaited news came through — baseball was coming back to the District. Amidst festive supporters singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams rose to a podium at the now gone City Museum, a red Nationals hat perched upon his head. This was his moment, his legacy, and he was ready to savor it.

One year later, the Washington Nationals are games away from concluding their inaugural season in the District. And while a playoff berth may not be in the cards, few can deny the success the team has had. Levels of attendance at the newly refurbished RFK Stadium have remained consistently high during the year, and Nationals apparel has fast become a symbol of city pride.

But beyond the action on the field, baseball’s return to the District has been a mixed bag. Debate continues over the new stadium the city pledged to build the Nationals, and the bidding process for the team’s ownership has been tainted by rumors that Major League Baseball officials may hand the team over to a compliant out-of-towner. And as much as Mayor Williams and his allies can take credit for bringing America’s past-time back to the nation’s capital after a three decade absence, many local activists and residents still feel the sting of a mayor who all but handed city resources over to MLB officials while remaining aloof to other pressing problems.

In short, the District may love the team, but clearly doesn’t love the politics.