Update 5:00 pm EST: The Washington Nationals leadership has put out statements about Ryan Zimmerman’s retirement.
From Mark Lerner
On behalf of my family and the entire Washington Nationals organization, we would like to congratulate Ryan on his tremendous career and thank him for his contributions both on the field and in our community. Ryan will forever be Mr. National. From the walk-off home runs to carrying the World Series Trophy down Constitution Avenue, to the final day of the 2021 regular season when our fans gave him an ovation that none of us will soon forget, Ryan gave us all 17 years of amazing memories. We wish him, Heather, their four beautiful children, and the rest of thier family nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors.
Mark Lerner
For 17 seasons, Ryan Zimmerman epitomized what it meant to be the Face of the Franchise. He was an All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger winner, Comeback Player of the Year, and World Series Champion – but those accolades pale in comparison to his impact on our organization and in the community during his career. Ryan always carried himself with class, honor, and respect and played the game for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. I want to personally congratulate Ryan on a fantastic career and wish him and the entire Zimmerman family all the best in retirement.
Mike Rizzo
It was truly an honor to manage and share a clubhouse with Ryan Zimmerman. Like many around Major League Baseball, I had a lot of respect for Ryan from watching the way he played and competed as an opponent. It wasn’t until I came to Washington that I learned of his true impact on this organization, the fans, and the community. He was a fierce competitor but also a calming presence when we needed it most. Ryan’s numbers and accomplishments speak for themselves, but the way he led by example and was respected not only in our clubhouse but around the game – that is what I will remember most about his career. Not only was he a player I enjoyed managing, but he’s also become a great friend. Congrats, Ryan, I wish you, Heather, and the kid’s nothing but the best.
Davey Martinez
Two-time All-Star and 2019 World Series champion Ryan Zimmerman announced his retirement from Major League Baseball today after a 17-year career spent entirely as a member of the Nationals organization.
Ryan Zimmerman, the first draft selection in Washington Nationals history and a longtime franchise pillar — from when the team played at RFK Stadium to the still-burning glory of a World Series title in 2019, Ryan Zimmerman has been consistent around the Nationals locker room.
Zimmerman retires with more home runs (284), hits (1,846), RBI (1,061), and games played (1,799) in a Nationals uniform than any other player. Eleven walk-off homers, including when the Nationals opened Nationals Park in 2008.
In a quote to Jesse Dougherty and Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, Zimmerman talked about why he is retiring. “At this point in my career, it’s not about making money,” he said. “It’s more the weighing of how much time it takes for me to put in the stuff behind the scenes that lets me still be successful on the field that people don’t really know about. And it’s worth it if you have a chance to win the World Series.”
“For me, with the four kids at home now, it’s kind of like: I’ve accomplished a lot. I’ve accomplished more than I’ve ever wanted to accomplish. At this point, do I really have the 100 percent drive and commitment to do all the extracurricular stuff that I expect of myself to play the game?”
Will have more to come…
