Washington Nationals: Mr. National Ryan Zimmerman Is Retiring After 17-Seasons
Ryan Zimmerman, also known as “Mr. National” is retiring after 17-seasons in D.C.
The first draft pick of the Washington Nationals, Ryan Zimmerman is retiring. The fourth overall pick in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft out of the University of Virginia, helped the Nationals win the 2019 World Series with a bunch of clutch postseason hits. Zimmerman finishes only 16 home runs shy of 300 while batting .277 with 1,061 runs batted in.
In fact, he retires the franchise leader in games played (1,799), at-bats (6,654), runs scored (963), hits (1,846), total bases (3,159), doubles (417), homers, and RBIs.
It’s safe the say that Zimmerman lived up to the hype of being the fourth overall pick in 2005. If it weren’t for injuries, he probably would’ve had more than 300 career home runs. Not sure if that would’ve made him a Hall of Famer, but it would’ve helped his chances.
BREAKING: Ryan Zimmerman -- Mr. Walk-off, Mr. National -- is retiring. He grew up in front of us. From 100-loss seasons to the parade, from 20 to 37. “I think it’s a special ride because of how I started.” On a unique career.https://t.co/yADbbEO3Re
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) February 15, 2022
If it weren’t for Ryan Zimmerman’s clutch hitting in the 2019 playoffs, especially the wild-card round, the Nationals might not have won the game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Then, that monster home run in the World Series in Game One against Gerrit Cole to cut the Astros lead in half. That homer was huge as it made the rest of the team know that Cole was not invincible and that he could be beaten. After Zimmerman’s home run, the Nationals rallied like they had been doing since May 24th, and beat the Houston Astros in Game One of the World Series.
Mr. National was also known for his late-game heroics, finishing with 11 walk-off homers, only two behind the all-time leader, Jim Thome.
Celebrate Zim with BreakingT’s latest release
Zimmerman was always loyal to the Washington Nationals Organization and never was one to ask for more money. He knew what he was worth and was probably happy to be part of the Nationals organization.
The Virginia native was one of the top third basemen in the National League before having trouble throwing the first base. Eventually, he moved to first base and still played solid defense.
It’s going to be different in 2022 with Zimmerman not on the team since he’s been with them since being drafted in 2005. We will never see a player like Zimmerman ever in a Washington Nationals uniform ever again. Thank you for everything Ryan! Enjoy retirement with your family.