Two out in the ninth on a frozen opening night in the new Nationals Park's 2008 debut. Most of the crowd couldn't take the cold and left the 2-2 game.
And then Ryan Zimmerman hit a shot into the left field bleachers. Game over. Perfect ending. One of my favorite memories in local sports, second best in baseball only behind the 2019 World Series championship.
Zimmerman retired on Tuesday, a 17-year career as the franchise's first great player. He went from the University of Virginia to 16 seasons of standout ball. Zimmerman hit 284 homers, including 11 walk-offs. That Game 4 shot against the Los Angeles Dodgers was crucial to later winning the 2019 title. His numbers – 1,846 hits, 1,061 RBI, and 1,799 games played – won't get him into the Hall of Fame, but he'll always be considered Mister National.
It's sad to see a legend leave, but at least the team and fans saluted him in the final 2021 home game. Zimmerman didn't want to leave the dugout. There were tears in his eyes waving from the steps and the crowd knew they were saying goodbye. Zimmerman wanted some time off to think about it. Four kids at age 37 bring new priorities and "Zim" deserves a break from a sport that is the ultimate daily grind.
But it's hard to say goodbye to not only another piece of the World Series team that is now unrecognizable, but to the player who was there through it all since baseball returned to Washington in 2005.
Related
Zimmerman was that steady, bright light during the ugly years of 100-plus losses. The team finally surrounded him with great players like Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon and Trea Turner to win a title. Now only Strasburg remains and his body always seems one pitch away from an injury. Nats baseball will feel different with Zimmerman gone.
He was the clutch player. A two-time Silver Slugger and All-Star who was a great third baseman before injuries sent him to first where he became the clubhouse elder. An unofficial coach who helped many young players rather than feel threatened.
Zimmerman was in the NL Most Valuable Player race three times, including 2017 when batting .303 just one season after hitting .218. Oh, Zimmerman would grimace after strikeouts and looked done in 2016, but came back to find a role. Sometimes a big one.
Maybe Zimmerman saw too many memories when looking around the clubhouse and seeing old friends all gone. It makes one think about retirement. Zimmerman probably stayed last year as a farewell tour without telling everyone and it was a good transition for both sides.
At least we'll see him again at a future Nats Ring of Honor ceremony.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
