Ryan Zimmerman was the first draft pick of the Washington Nationals following the franchise’s move from Montreal. Widely tabbed “Mr. National” Zimmerman also hit the first World Series home run in franchise history. Now, he will become the first Nationals player to have the honor of having his jersey retired.
Nationals owner Ted Lerner made the announcement during Washington’s spring training game Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The No. 11 will be retired on June 18 prior to Washington’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team will also have a Ryan Zimmerman-themed giveaway for its doubleheader on June 17 against the Phillies. The series will be part of the Ryan Zimmerman Weekend at Nationals Park.
Zimmerman played his entire 16-year career in a Nationals uniform. He called it a career back in February. He left the game as the franchise’s leader in several statistical categories. Among his club records are 1,799 games played, 1,846 hits, 284 home runs and 1,061 RBIs.
He’s retired a World Series champion (2019), two All-Star Game nods, two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove. There will never be another Nationals player to wear No. 11.
More must-reads: