Ever since Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman announced he would be retiring, it was obvious that the team would honor him with the retirement of his number 11.
He was the franchise’s first draft pick, back in 2004, and played his whole career with the Nats.
He is an icon in the nation’s capital.
The Nationals, according to Washington Post’s reporter Chelsea Janes, made things official already.
“The Nationals are going to retire Ryan Zimmerman’s number as part of Ryan Zimmerman weekend June 17 and 18, Mark Lerner announces,” she tweeted.
It’s pretty cool that Zimmerman will have his own weekend for fans to say goodbye the right way.
Another cool thing?
There will be a ‘special guest’ in the festivities.
“Bryce Harper and the Phillies will be in town,” Janes also tweeted.
Bryce Harper and the Phillies will be in town.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 21, 2022
Two Former Teammates Will Remember Some Fond Times
Harper, as you know, was drafted and developed by the Nationals.
Well, he was very much developed when the Nats took him first overall in the 2010 Draft.
From 2012 to 2018, he was a star for Washington, just like Zimmerman, and is arguably the most talented player to ever wear a Nationals uniform together with Juan Soto.
Seeing the two former teammates share a moment on the field will surely fill fans with joy and fond memories.
Harper wasn’t on the team when they won the World Series in 2019, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t leave his mark in Washington.
As for Zimmerman, the decision to retire his number is a solid one by the franchise.
He gave a lot to the organization, slashing .277/.341/.475 with 284 home runs and 1,061 RBI.
He was also loyal, something fans value.
He will have his day to say goodbye to his fans, as he deserves.
NEXT: Nelson Cruz Has An Adorable Problem At Nationals Camp
