Statements from Nationals on Ryan Zimmerman's retirement

Following Ryan Zimmerman's retirement announcement on Tuesday afternoon, the Washington Nationals released the following statements:

Statement from Mark D. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals:

"On behalf of my family and the entire Washington Nationals organization, we would like to congratulate Ryan on a 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 their family nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors."

Statement from Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo:

"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."

Statement from Nationals Manager Dave Martinez:

"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 kids nothing but the best."

A World Series Champion, two-time National League All-Star (2009, 2017), two-time Silver Slugger (2009, 2010), Gold Glove (2009) award winner and National League Comeback Player of the Year (MLBPA) in 2017, Zimmerman spent his entire 17-year Major League career with the Washington Nationals.

Zimmerman was selected fourth overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Virginia and eventually became Washington's all-time leader in nearly every offensive category. He hit .277 with 417 doubles, 22 triples, 284 home runs, 1,061 RBI, 646 walks, 43 stolen bases and 963 runs scored in 1,799 career games. He recorded 1,846 hits while posting a career .341 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage.

During Washington's run to the 2019 World Series, Zimmerman hit safely in 10 of Washington's 16 Postseason games. He homered in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, a towering three-run shot in the fifth inning off Dodgers' reliever Pedro Báez. He hit the first World Series home run in Nationals history in the second inning of Game 1 in off Astros' starter Gerrit Cole. For his career, Zimmerman hit .274 with seven doubles, five home runs, 17 RBI, 10 walks and 10 runs scored in 35 career Postseason games.

Zimmerman finished his career with 11 walk-off home runs, tied for seventh-most in Major League Baseball history and tied for the second-most in National League history. His 11th and final walk-off home run came on Aug. 22, 2018 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

In 2006, Zimmerman established the ziMS Foundation to raise money and awareness for programs benefiting those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. Serving as the foundation's president, Zimmerman is actively involved in decision-making and donates his time, money and image to promoting the Foundation. The foundation has raised $3.5 million for organizations dedicated to the fight against MS.

In April of 2020, Ryan and his wife Heather founded the Pros for Heroes COVID-19 Relief Fund, a campaign to provide health care professionals with support, resources and meals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his career, Zimmerman was Washington's Roberto Clemente Award nominee six times and was given the "Good Guy" Award by D.C. media twice since it was established in 2016.