Jordan Zimmermann pens heartfelt farewell to Nationals fans

By Josh Land

Nationals

October 06, 2015, 6:11am

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Jordan Zimmermann likely made his final start with the Nationals on Wednesday, taking a hard-luck 2-0 loss to the Braves. Zimmermann, 29, is expected to leave in free agency this offseason after spending his entire professional career in the Nationals organization since he was drafted in 2007.

Zimmermann went 70-50 with a 3.32 ERA over seven seasons with Washington. The bulldog of the rotation started at least 32 games in each of his last four years and provided a lasting memory with his season-ending no-hitter in 2014.

The beloved right-hander delivered a message to Nationals fans on Monday through his agent, Mark Pieper, on Twitter:

"Dear Washington, D.C.:

It's difficult putting into words the feelings of appreciation I have for the love and support I've felt over the past seven years. Nationals fans treated my family and me like members of their own, never wavering, no matter the circumstances. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

For a kid from a small town in central Wisconsin, stepping on the mound and competing on the Major League level is a dream come true. It's a dream, yet also a responsibility that I don't take lightly. The same level of commitment and passion that you fans showed me every game I took the ball is what I placed in every pitch I tossed wearing a Nationals uniform. My only regret is that we were not able to bring a championship to the fans of this great city this season.

Although I may no longer wear the curly W on my head or on my chest, Nationals fans will always be in my heart. Thank you again for everything!

Jordan Zimmermann"