Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman continues to rewrite record books

Ryan Zimmerman has hit more singles than any other player to wear a Washington Nationals uniform. Now, there is just one player who donned the Montreal Expos uniform who has collected more base hits than the man they call Zim.

Zimmerman already sits atop the franchise list in several categories, and now has climbed to second in another. With his first inning single off Steven Matz of the Toronto Blue Jays, Zimmerman propelled himself into a tie for second most singles in the Expos/Nationals shared annals. His single in the third inning gave Zim second place all to his own.

Ryan Zimmerman is now in second place for most singles in Washington Nationals history, and depending on at-bats could claim first by the end of the year.

The singles record seems like a formality as Zimmerman holds the total hits, doubles, home runs, total bases, and runs batted in-records, among others. Before the end of the week, Zimmerman will have the most plate appearances in franchise history and by the All-Star break should claim the runs scored title as well.

While the argument can be made the Nationals and Expos shouldn’t share history books, no argument can be made against Zimmerman being the face of the baseball team in Washington. As he slowly gives way to Juan Soto and Stephen Strasburg, Mr. National, himself, has been along for the ride since day one, back in 2005. For fans who have followed the team since their arrival from Montreal, seeing Zimmerman debut the same year he was drafted and be a part of every season since (he opted out in 2020) has been something special.

Throwing issues, and injuries. Moving across the field to a new position, and injuries. The run hasn’t always been good for the longest tenured National. However, a hot spring training has turned into a stellar start to the season and Zimmerman is playing as if he is ten years younger.

Penciled in as the backup or righty/lefty matchup, to Josh Bell, Zimmerman had made good use of his playing time this year. With his most recent single, he pushes former Expo third baseman Time Wallach aside, and now only looks up at Tim Raines.

By the time he hangs up his cleats, Zimmerman has the opportunity to sit atop every category in the team record books.