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Fired GM Mike Rizzo has cool gesture for Nationals fans

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Former Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is offering a cool gesture to the team’s fans after his firing.

On Friday, Rizzo sent a message to fans via the Instagram page for his Rizzo Family Foundation. He announced the foundation’s work would continue and thanked fans for their support, and also added he will be paying for free drinks at a pair of sports bars prior to the Home Run Derby on Monday.

“As a way to say thank you to the fans for 19 amazing years with the Washington Nationals, grab a ‘Round on Riz’ Monday, July 14 before the Home Run Derby at Penn Quarter Sports Tavern or Walter’s Sports Bar. First round of beer is on us from 5-7 pm. Cheers to an incredible ride!” Rizzo wrote.

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Rizzo was fired along with manager Dave Martinez last week. He had been with the team since 2007 and constructed all of the team’s contenders, including the 2019 World Series champions. Their rebuild is perceived as being behind schedule, and that was enough to cost Rizzo his job.

Obviously, Rizzo has nothing but warm feelings for Nationals fans. Considering all the success he helped bring, that feeling is probably mutual.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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