DoD Staff: Our favorite Nationals players growing up

As we approach another season of Washington Nationals baseball, the writers at District on Deck wanted to reminisce about their favorite players in team history. With the economics of the game being the way they are, the Ryan Zimmerman types are few and far between. Rarely does a player spend his entire career with one organization. As fans, we are cheering for the jerseys with our team name on them more-so than the player, because the player may be gone the following year. Let’s jump right in.

District on Deck writers talk about their favorite Nationals player growing up.

Ben Favela

Growing up in the DC area in the 2000s, and going to a couple of games at RFK when I was three years old, Screech and the Racing Presidents consumed much of my attention early. Then came March 30, 2008. I remember that day vividly and #11 was my guy ever since. I had been in attendance at his major league debut in 2005 and he’s really been the staple of my baseball fandom. The joy he brought to all the fans that day on March 30th was very special and having the ticket stub framed in my room reminds me of how special that day was.

I remember taking the Metro home that day alongside my parents and seeing the reactions of all the fans that day who were in awe of this budding superstar, Ryan Zimmerman. He has meant everything to the DC fan base, and to my early love of baseball. I just love the way he carries himself and how professional he is on and off the field. While I have grown to love Juan Soto and Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman will always have been my first favorite player and will hold a special place in my heart.