Alex Ovechkin‘s first game did not produce this sort of buzz. Unlike Strasburg, Ovechkin’s previous games weren’t televised here and covered in the national press. Steve Spurrier was hyped, but there’s something different about Strasburg.

He’s described as a potential once-in-a-generation pitcher. Just like Gibbs once was arguably the best coach in the game. When he returned in 2004, it was a surreal experience. Just like Jordan, whose star had dimmed by the time he came to Washington, was the best at what he did. Jordan in a Wizards uniform? Unthinkable.

Like Jordan, Strasburg sells tickets. The Wizards averaged more than 20,000 fans in Jordan’s two seasons, something they didn’t do before or since.

Thing is, we don’t know Strasburg’s ceiling yet. And that only adds to the hype. A quick check on Stubhub.com for tickets (still available, but you can’t get them on the Nats’ Web site) tells the story. Tickets to Friday’s game vs. the Reds, once thought to be Strasburg’s first start, can now be had for as little as $2. Strasburg’s first start? You’ll have to shell out at least $50. By the time you read this, it’ll probably be more. One fan who bought a ticket for $30 can now sell it for five times that amount. The cheapest seat in his section is going for $90.

(Imagine for his second start, likely vs. the White Sox on June 13 — the team favored by the President. We’re just sayin’).

The day after Strasburg’s first start? Tickets start at $5. That’s when you realize this: They’re playing the Pirates.