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.
Max Rayman
I didn’t watch baseball until the Expos moved to D.C. in 2005 and became the Nationals. In the team’s inaugural season, I was immediately taken in by the entire team. Nick Johnson, Chad Cordero, Livan Hernandez, Jose Vidro, and Vinny Castilla all had their moments, but it was Brad Wilkerson who stood out the most. After relocation, Wilkerson hit the Nationals first grand slam and also became the first Nat to hit for the cycle. His pop impressed nine year old me and I was devastated when he was traded to the Texas Rangers after the 2005 season.
In Wilkerson’s stead came Alfonso Soriano. Only a National for one season, Soriano made it count. During the 2006 season, he became the fourth player in history to join the 40-40 club, while also making watching a 91 loss Nationals team fun.
light. MORE NATS. From top pick to top prospect
However, my favorite National has always been the one they call, Mr. National. Drafted in 2005, Zimmerman accomplished a feat that is rarely seen in today’s MLB. He was called up in the same year he was drafted. After his successful 2005 callup, Zimerman took over as the team’s starting third baseman in 2006. Since then, Mr. National has become the franchise’s leader in hits, total bases, doubles, homers, and RBIs. In 15 seasons with the team, Zimmerman is hitting .279, with 270 homers, 1015 RBIs, and an OPS of .818. Known also as Mr. Walkoff, Zimmerman is third all-time in walk-off homers, two behind Jim Thome for most all-time.
Now entering his 16th season with the team, Zimmerman has already engulfed himself as a franchise legend.
James Simmons
I grew up with the Montreal Expos, and where there are players from that organization I was very passionate about, I find myself in a different position when it comes to the Washington Nationals. I have favorites on the Nationals, though am more team oriented.
Growing up very impressionable and loving the game of baseball, I was immediately enamored with the Expos tri-colored hats, and colorful stripes down the sides of a crisp white uniform. I was transfixed immediately. Wasn’t just the look however, I was drawn to the style of play of a fleet-footed early 1990’s Expos squad.
For a skinny, little kid who batted leadoff for his Little League team, the easiest player for me to mimic was Delino DeShields. I pulled my stirrups to my knees, pulled down the double flaps on my batting helmet, and I emulated his game. I was on a camping trip, listening to the radio in the tent late at night when the call came across, Delino DeShields traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Pedro Martinez. I was crushed. The trade worked out for the Expos, but I had lost my favorite player.
When the Expos were moved to Washington, like all Expos fans I was conflicted. Would I still follow the team? Would I consider them my favorite? Of course. Jose Vidro was still on the team and he was one of my favorites in Montreal. I had to continue to follow him, even though he never looked good in a Nationals uniform.
That being said, I believe my favorite homegrown Nationals player was Jordan Zimmermann. The pitcher from a small-school burst on the scene and turned into an All-Star, who led the league in wins in 2013. He was tall, lengthy, often wore his stirrups to his knees, rarely wore his emotions on his sleeves. I was able to relate with JZimm. I pitched when I was younger and always took a back seat to a better pitcher on the team. I quietly went about my business, much like Zimmermann.
Seven good years is what the Nationals got out of Zimmermann, and I was hoping he’d be back this year after finally breaking free of the five-year contract which bound him to Detroit. Unfortunately, he signed in Milwaukee. No matter where he pitches, I’ll always be a huge supporter. For an Expos fan turned Nationals fan, the first player-shirt I bought, was a number #27, Jordan Zimmermann.
Next. Zimmerman and Gardner situations similar. dark