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The Washington Nationals honor Ryan Zimmerman, the first Draft pick in team history and the face of the franchise for more than a decade and a half, with two straight days of celebrations on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18. Ryan Zimmerman Weekend highlights include fan giveaways, appearances by former players, and Zimmerman’s official jersey retirement ceremony prior to Saturday’s game, which has been moved back to 4:35 p.m. to accommodate the festivities. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit nationals.com/zim.
“Not only is Ryan ‘Mr. National,’ but he is, more importantly, a dear friend,” said Mark D. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals. “It brings me and my family so much joy to see that his #11 jersey is the first in Nationals history to be retired, and we’re all looking forward to welcoming Ryan, his family and friends back to the ballpark for a weekend full of celebration, memories and thanks.”
Ryan Zimmerman Weekend officially begins prior to Game 2 of a split doubleheader vs. the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, June 17, at 7:05 p.m. The first 20,000 fans age 21 or older will receive an Employee #11 t-shirt courtesy of Budweiser, and all fans are invited to strike a pose with several Zimmerman photo activations located throughout the ballpark. Prior to Friday night’s game, Zimmerman and some of his former teammates will reflect on the most prolific career in Washington Nationals’ history with live Q&A sessions from the field.
Saturday, June 18, is officially Ryan Zimmerman Day, highlighted by Zimmerman’s #11 jersey retirement ceremony. Gates open early at 2:30 p.m. ET with pregame festivities slated to begin at 3:15 p.m. MASN will have full television coverage of the pregame ceremonies leading up to first pitch vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at 4:35 p.m. The first 10,000 kids age 12 and under will receive a throwback Zimmerman 2006 jersey t-shirt presented by Harris Teeter and The Washington Post, and special tributes and messages will be shown throughout the game.
A World Series Champion, two-time 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 and becomes the first player in team history to have his jersey retired. He was selected fourth overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft and went on to become the Nationals’ all-time leader in nearly every offensive category. Zimmerman established the ziMS Foundation in 2006 to raise money and awareness for programs benefitting those with Multiple Sclerosis. In April 2020, he and his wife Heather founded the Pros for Heroes COVID-19 Relief Fund, providing health care professionals with support, resources and meals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information and to buy tickets to Ryan Zimmerman Weekend games, visit nationals.com/zim. All regular-season single-game tickets are on sale now at nationals.com/Tickets.
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