Nationals honor Frank Robinson with spot in Nationals Ring of Honor

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson returned to Nationals Park today as the team honored its first manager by unveiling his name in the Nationals Ring of Honor. Robinson became the Nationals first manager, guiding the team from Montreal to Washington.

"I take a lot of pride in it," Robinson said. "The players were great. It was a good situation for us coming from Montreal although it was kind of bittersweet to leave those fans up there."

Robinson's Nationals greatly overachieved in their first year in the nation's capital, going a surprising 81-81. The lack of talent caught up to them the following season as they finished 20 games under .500 and Robinson's contract wasn't renewed.

Nats shortstop Ian Desmond and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman are the only players remaining from Robinson's years with the organization. Robinson was able to share some time with the two Nats stars before today's game.

"(They're) like family," Robinson said. "It was very touching and I'm always glad to see those guys because they're very special, outstanding people. Not just good baseball players, but they're outstanding people. I appreciate them thinking about me and keeping me in their lives because I feel very special about them and they have a special place in my life."

Zimmerman was the franchise's first draft pick after moving to D.C. in 2005. Robinson was his first manager in the big leagues.

"When I saw him, I knew he was going to be a very special player for a lot of years," Robinson said. "People wanted to rush him to be a home run hitter and I said, 'Leave him alone and let him hit that ball to right field in the gaps and in left-center field in the gaps. And in time, as he learns the league and learns the pitchers in the league, he'll start to pull the ball.' And I still see him hitting those doubles to right-center field and I have to chuckle and laugh."

Desmond was originally drafted by the Expos in 2004 so Robinson's history dates back even further with the 29-year-old three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

"I think he's one of the nicest kids I ever got to manage," Robinson said. "No problems. I'm really happy for him."

But the 79-year-old Robinson had a flashback for a moment to his managerial days.

"I just asked Ian, 'What's all these errors?' He said, 'That was just a tough stretch. They're gone now.' I said, 'OK. ... We won't think about it,'" Robinson joked.

Desmond was on the field to catch Robinson's ceremonial first pitch before today's game.

Frank Robinson threw out the first pitch today. #Desi, who wears #20 in honor of him, caught it. pic.twitter.com/lAQYca8bBZ

-- Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 9, 2015

Nationals manager Matt Williams reflected earlier on his relationship with Robinson. Williams was player in San Francisco's organization when Robinson was the Giants manager.

"A great ambassador," Williams said. "Wonderful manager here as well as other places. Supportive. I've known Frank a long time. We have a Giants connection. He's done just about all you can do in the game, from playing to managing to working with the office in MLB to being an MVP in both leagues. He's done everything. So at this point in his life, he's one of our best ambassadors in every regard."

Robinson isn't surprised at the success the Nationals have experienced in recent years.

"I've always had a special place in my heart for this team," Robinson said. "They are right there. And it's only a matter of time in the next few years, if not this year, that you're gonna see a World Series flag flying in center field."