Ian Desmond delivers gracious message to Nationals fans

By Josh Land

Nationals

October 07, 2015, 4:24am

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The sentimental goodbyes unfortunately continue for Nationals fans. On Monday afternoon, it was veteran right-hander Jordan Zimmermann offering his gratitude for the Natitude over the last seven years.

Beloved shortstop Ian Desmond, who had already poured his heart out following Sunday's season finale, reflected further on his Nationals career in a message delivered on Twitter last night:

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-- Ian Desmond (@IDesmond20) October 7, 2015

The Montreal Expos selected Desmond out of high school in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. After spending six seasons in the minors, Desmond made his major league debut with the Nationals on Sept. 10, 2009, delivering a homer, double and four RBIs.

Ian Desmond curtain call sidebar.jpg Desmond developed into one of the best offensive shortstops in the majors during his seven years in Washington. From 2012-2014, Desmond became just the fourth shortstop in major league history to smack 20 homers and steal 20 bases in three seasons, joining Alex Rodriguez, Hanley Ramirez and Jimmy Rollins.

Desmond was awarded the Silver Slugger Award in each of those three years. He batted .264 with 110 home runs and 432 RBIs over his career in the nation's capital and was named an All-Star in 2012.