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Washington Nationals to retire Ryan Zimmerman’s number

By David Hill

Oct 3, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) waves to the crowd after being removed from the game against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) waves to the crowd after being removed from the game against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Zimmerman is Mr. National. The first ever selection in Washington Nationals history, Zimmerman made his debut later that year and, aside from opting out in 2020 due to the pandemic, never left. He was easily the face of the franchise, the first player that comes to mind when thinking about the history of Nationals’ baseball.

As Zimmerman announced his retirement this offseason, it was a matter of time before they retired his number. That will be the case on June 18, as the team announced that his number 11 will be retired in his honor.

Washington Nationals to honor Ryan Zimmerman

The retirement of his number will be a capstone to a weekend dedicated to Zimmerman. Washington is also planning to have giveaways in his honor for their doubleheader on June 17, finding more ways to honor his status in franchise history.

It is easy to see why Zimmerman will be the first player in Nationals history to receive such an honor. He was one of the best players during a miserable time in team history, a two time All Star and the 2009 Gold Glove winner at third in the National League. Zimmerman took home two Silver Slugger awards as well as he was one of the best hitting third basemen in the game.

He produced a solid .277/.341/.477 batting line in his 7402 plate appearances, hitting 284 homers and 417 doubles. Zimmerman retired as the Nationals/Expos all time leader in games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, homers, RBIs, extra base hits, and total bases. He also came up big in the postseason, hitting the team’s first ever World Series home run.

But it is also fair to wonder what could have been. Zimmerman battled injuries during much of his prime and into the latter part of his career, appearing in over 100 games just twice after his age 28 season. As impressive as his career with the Nationals may have been, it could have been Hall of Fame caliber had he remained healthy.

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The Washington Nationals are set to honor Ryan Zimmerman this year. Mr. National will become the first player in team history to have his number retired.

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