“We’ve gotten better and better each year. That’s the goal,” stated Ryan Zimmerman. “We obviously started and really had no idea what we were getting into and just wanted to do stuff to help. Over the last five years it’s grown more than we could ever think we could imagine. And this (a Washington, D.C. venue) is a big stepping stone for us. We think from here, it could take off. The sky’s the limit from here.”


(All Four Of The Above Photos Courtesy Getty Images)

Our Washington’s Nationals star 3rd Baseman was addressing the ziMS Foundation’s premiere event in Washington, D.C. “A Night At The Park” to raise awareness and provide funding for the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The debilitating disease that has affected Ryan’s mom, Cheryl, since she was first diagnosed in 1995. Over 700 people turned out last night at the South Capitol Street Ballpark to share an evening with Zimmerman’s Family, bid on silent and live auction items, and be entertained by the Creative Artists Agency’s artists–David Blaine, Amos Lee & Mutlu.




“This is special,” continued Ryan Zimmerman. “When so many athletes help to get you to where you are today and you are lucky enough to become successful in a sport, and you have the opportunity to give back, you really have to try. It seems like there is always someone, somewhere, that has a hardship–or someone whose family member is going through tough times. This is unique for me because it’s my mom, but I am sure there are plenty of others who go through the same things. But it doesn’t make that any less rewarding for me or for my family. We not only love helping them, but giving back to other people too–trying to help other families that are going through the same hardships as us.”

(The Two Pictures Above Courtesy Of Getty Images)

As part of Zimmerman’s long-term contract with Our Washington Nationals, the usage of Nationals Park one day per year for a charitable function was agreed upon. Brodie Van Wagenen (Ryan’s Agent from CAA) and CAA Sports set up this benefit event. Over $200,000 was raised during the evening hosted by NBC News Political Director and White House Correspondent Chuck Todd. A night that also featured the ziMS Foundation presenting a $30,000 check to the National Capital Chapter of the National MS Society. A big step for a grassroots organization with humble beginnings in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2006 that would not have have made it this far without the commitment of Ryan himself.

“The last five years have been a blur. He’s always given back to his family since even before he was a big-time baseball player,” says Ryan’s Dad, Keith. “So, it was kind of natural for him to continue that. I think he’s grown right into the position and it’s kind of cool to see how the Foundation has grown. From our first event five years ago–to this event and the event we have down in Virginia Beach–it’s pretty gratifying.”

The ziMS Foundation is a family affair for the Zimmermans. Cheryl & Keith along with their youngest son and Ryan’s brother, Shawn, handle the day-to-day operations for the charity. Very hands on, Cheryl has never been embarrassed to be placed in the forefront for the cause especially since the Z-Man knows his mom enjoys planning the events and raising money for their Foundation. But it’s been a learning experience for everyone involved.

(Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

“Obviously, when she first got the disease you don’t really know much about it,” stated Ryan. “The amount of knowledge we’ve learned about that, about how many people we know has someone that is affected by it. And there are even a couple of guys within our organization whose mom’s or dad’s have it. The amount of people you become friends with and you talk to–there is just so many small things in the world you would never imagine starting something like this. It kind of brought that to my attention. It’s amazing how you start something little and see what you can do.”

Even to this day, Cheryl & Keith Zimmerman personally visit each and every organization the ziMS Foundation grants a donation. They take no shortcuts to finding the best fit.

Keith Zimmerman: “We have never given money to anyone who we haven’t gone and met and talked with face to face–asked them what they are going to do with the money and tour their facility–if it’s a facility. Unfortunately, you have to pick and choose. I wish we had enough money to give to everybody. So we feel we’ve chosen some gratifying organizations. They are very appreciative of what we are doing and it’s nice to see the smile on their faces. It took us nearly three years before we could start giving back. A lot of trial and error, a lot of mistakes, and we are finally at the point where we can give back now. That’s really nice to see the organizations that we are giving to benefit. That’s pretty cool.”




The main concourse behind sections 127 and 129 on the 1st side at Nationals Park was set up for the silent auction for this ziMS Foundation benefit. Items of note included autograph uniforms from not only Ryan Zimmerman, but Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo, Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and a team signed Washington Capitals Jersey. VIP Ticket Holders were given the additional opportunity to bid silently on a Canadian Train Adventure Package, a Maui Vacation and an Atlantis Resort Package.

(Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

The Live auction included an American Idol experience, a U.S. Open Tennis Package, a South Beach (Miami) Package and a Saddlebrook Resort Package which included a private workout with Ryan Zimmerman at the Tampa, Florida Resort. The Saddlebrook Experience the most contested bidding all evening. The final price reached when Adam Dunn made the winning offer of over $7,000.00. Magician David Blaine also offered up a special kids opportunity to learn magic that sold for $3800.


(Two Photos Above Courtesy Of Getty Images)

For his performance, Blaine made a private appearance in The Lexus Presidents Club for VIP Ticket Holders only. Working the room, Mr. Blaine held the rapt attention of both patrons and some of Ryan’s Washington Teammates on hand for the night. Dunn, Pudge Rodriguez, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Craig Stammen, John Lannan, Ross Detwiler, Sean Burnett and Willie Harris posting up in support of the ziMS Foundation and mingling with the crowd.

(Above Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

“It’s kind of cool to see those people back you up in your efforts,” said Ryan Zimmerman. “Not only do we play baseball and do that stuff together, but we are a pretty close group. And I think this kind of proves how close we are.”




Once the live auction concluded, Mutlu stepped to the stage built on top of the Presidents Club Seats at Nationals Park to perform. The warmup for a wonderful effort by Amos Lee. Joined at times by Mutlu, the Philadelphia born singer-songwriter and guitarist (who Ryan joked earlier was a Philly Fan but he wasn’t going to hold that against him) performed some of his best folksy rhythm and blues. Having never heard Amos Lee before, Sohna and I really enjoyed his effort. Zimmerman so impressed with his work as well, Ryan presented Lee a specially autographed guitar at the end of the evening in thanks.

A special ending to a special night for the ziMS Foundation’s Premiere Event in the Nation’s Capital–furthering the effort to finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.

(Photo Courtesy Of Chris Kennedy Images)
“This has been my home, I guess for the last five years, “concluded Ryan Zimmerman. “I’ve grown fond of the city and I’ve met a lot of nice people. A lot of people who have helped me get to where I am at here and it’s kind of the same way the Foundation started here. We ultimately want to make the Foundation bigger and better. The next step was to bring it to a bigger and better city. And there is not a bigger and better city in the world to do something like this than D.C. So, it’s exciting for us and we are happy to (finally) get started.”

Unless Noted–All Other Photos Copyrighted–Nats320–All Rights Reserved

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

01/17/10 6:26 PM EST

From a personal standpoint, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman had a season to remember in 2009, leading the team in RBIs with 106 and making his first All-Star appearance.

A little more than a month after the season ended, Zimmerman, 25, won his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards.

But reaching personal goals is not enough for Zimmerman in 2010. He wants the Nationals to have a winning percentage over .500 and reach the postseason for the first time in their history.

Will Zimmerman get his wishes? Before playing golf in Florida on Sunday afternoon, Zimmerman expressed his opinion on the topics in an interview with MLB.com.

MLB.com: What do think of the Nationals’ offseason moves thus far?

Ryan Zimmerman: I think [general manager] Mike Rizzo and [team president] Stan Kasten have done a great job. I don’t think they are done yet. I think they are still out there getting some stuff. The goal is to get better from last year. I think they have done that as far as bringing in some pitchers. That’s all you can ask for as a player — have your front office go out and try to make your team as talented and as capable of winning as they can.

MLB.com: Do you think it’s the front office’s best offseason since you have been a member of the Nationals?

Zimmerman: Yeah. It’s tough to attract big-name players and big-name free agents when you are a team that loses 100 games. But I think people are starting to realize we have a good young nucleus and we have a great new ballpark. People enjoy playing in our city. When they are on the road, they kind of realize how lucky we are to play in DC. We are starting to attract some talent and I think that is the first step because, obviously, you have to start winning for some of the big-name guys to come.

MLB.com: What do you think about the Nationals trying to acquire Orlando Hudson?

Zimmerman: I think it would be awesome. I met him a few times. I obviously played against him a bunch. He was on the All-Star team with me this past year. He brings nothing but energy. He is almost like a veteran Nyjer Morgan. Every day Orlando is joking around. He keeps everyone’s spirits high. Not to mention that he is a great baseball player and Gold Glove second baseman. He could do a ton for our team.

MLB.com: Do you think he would be a difference maker if he came to the Nationals?

Zimmerman: Absolutely. Everyone knows we can hit. I think the front office has done a great job of getting starting pitching and improving our bullpen from last year. I think the next thing is a second baseman. To have a guy like Orlando — he’s a Gold Glover, he’s a great leader and has been around the game for a long time. He has had success for a long time. He can hold down a defense — sort of that leader in the middle. It’s perfect for us.

MLB.com: How frustrating was it to lose over 100 games for two consecutive years?

Zimmerman: Everyone is disappointed. I think anybody can try hard, but I think we need to take that next step where we have to learn how to win. It’s a big part of it. I think we have a young team and we are starting to jell together and grow up together. That’s our next step — learn how to win.

In the past couple of years, we figured out how to lose the games instead of how to win the games. That’s my goal and all of our goals. We have to turn that around and do the things to win games.

MLB.com: How does the team learn how to win?

Zimmerman: You have to go through hard times. You have to understand that little things can lose games. Baseball is a funny sport. There is not one thing that wins or loses a game. Everyone says, “That guy struck out with a runner on second, down by one run in the ninth inning.” Well, you probably had five or six chances throughout the game to get another run in. That comes back to bite you. We have to take advantage of those little opportunities. You can’t give the team more than 27 outs.

When our pitchers are struggling and when our hitters are struggling, the other side has to step up. That’s when being a team comes in. It’s all about having good chemistry and fight for everyone on the team.

MLB.com: On a personal level, you were able to win the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. What did that mean to you?

Zimmerman: It’s the best individual accomplishments. It brings some satisfaction, I guess, for all the hard work you have done during the offseason. For a while, everyone said I had the potential to be a great player, do something special and be one of the top third basemen.

To sit here and tell you I’m satisfied is a lie because you know how I am. It’s exciting because it’s a challenge for me to have an even better season than last year. That’s what I work for during the offseason. That’s what I strive to do. That’s what I owe to my teammates and to everyone.

I’m under contract for four more years. I want to make every year better than the one I had before.

MLB.com: Do you think you should have won a Gold Glove Award earlier in your career?

Zimmerman: I don’t get caught up in that stuff. Do I think that I’ve been one of the better defensive third basemen? Of course. I think everyone should think that way. I think I work really hard and make that a big part of my game.

MLB.com: A lot of people seem to think you should be the captain of the Nationals. Would you like to be named captain? If you were named captain, what would you do differently and in the clubhouse and on the field?

Zimmerman: I don’t think any of that stuff is necessary, especially on our team. We have so many good guys. Baseball is so much different. You have pitchers and position players. It’s such a weird dynamic. My goal as one of the leaders, along with Adam Dunn, Jason Marquis and Pudge [Ivan Rodriguez], is we have to work together to get everyone on the same page. I think that’s when something special happens, when everyone knows what they have to do to make the team better.

They have to fight for that guy. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re a pitcher or a catcher or whatever. I think everyone in the organization knows that we are a younger team and we have been battling through some tough spots, but we have good group of guys now. I think it’s more of a group effort than one guy being a captain. I’m proud to say I love the guys that we have. I love our team. I couldn’t be more excited with the guys that we have.

MLB.com: What are your personal goals for 2010?

Zimmerman: I’m not a numbers kind of guy. My personal goal is to win. I think there would be nothing more exciting than to have playoff baseball in Washington DC. I think that is everyone’s goal. The way I look at it is, if I can go out there and do something to help the team win every single game — whether it’s moving guys over from second to third or making a defensive play or draw a walk to have Adam drive them in — that’s all part of maturing. The ultimate goal is to win and play playoff baseball.

MLB.com: You are entering your fifth full season. What do you think you have accomplished thus far?

Zimmerman: It’s very hard to believe I’ve been in the league for five years. I think sometimes people think I’m a lot older than I am. It has been an unbelievable five years. I never wanted to do anything else or change anything. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity that I have.

I’ve done well. Obviously, it has been a learning experience. Baseball is probably the one sport where you learn from pitch to pitch. There is still a ton I have left to learn and prove. That’s what I love about the game. You can never be good enough. You have to get better and that’s my goal if I’m lucky to play this game for a long time.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Article taken from MLB Nationals Website

Ryan Zimmerman walks into an Arlington, Va., restaurant on a cold December afternoon. Dressed in jeans, a checkered button-down shirt and brown loafers, the 6-foot-3 North Carolina native looks like one of the many young professionals who populate the Washington suburb.

“Don’t I know you from somewhere?” the host asks after greeting him, pondering Zimmerman’s face for several seconds. “You look so familiar. College, maybe?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Zimmerman says, shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders.

“OK. I’ll think of it,” the host says as he leads the Nationals’ All-Star third baseman to his table.

Ryan Zimmerman was in the top 10 in the National League in home runs (33) in 2009.

A few minutes later, he returns with menus. “I think I’ve got it,” the host says. “You know Whitlow’s [a nearby bar and restaurant]? Do you go there? I bet that’s it — I used to work there.”

Zimmerman pauses for a moment. He could tell the host the truth — that this past year he won the Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, Fielding Bible and “Baseball Tonight” Web Gem awards and held major league baseball’s longest hitting streak (30 games) while being voted to his first-ever All-Star Game. Or, that since his arrival in Washington in September 2005, the 25-year-old third baseman has become one of the best players in baseball and the face of the franchise for the Nationals.

Chances are a New York City host wouldn’t confuse Alex Rodriguez or David Wright with a college classmate. But this is Washington, D.C., and Zimmerman is the reserved, easygoing star of 2009′s worst team in baseball.

“People in D.C. have a lot of other things going on,” Zimmerman said in explaining why the Nats’ fan base is sometimes criticized as less devoted than those of other major cities. “And when you win in this city, it’s different.”

The Nationals haven’t had a winning season since his arrival. Yet Zimmerman showed his commitment to Washington last spring when he signed a five-year, $45 million deal through 2013.

“Few players stay in the same place their whole career,” Zimmerman said. “It’d be a really cool accomplishment to have been here at our worst and see us through to our best. Hopefully, I can be that guy who’s been here from the beginning and helped turn it all around.”

Zimmerman was much smaller in his teenage years, a self-described “late bloomer,” and his September birthday meant he was younger than most of his classmates. Still, his talent was evident.

“I think we saw even from the early stages of Little League, he was a year or two above everyone he was playing with,” Keith says. “He’d step on the field and literally change the outcome of the game.”

Competing against future major league players also didn’t hurt. “He could just always play and hit,” B.J. Upton said of Zimmerman. “He’s also a great teammate, and I think that’s a key factor that people forget. For him, it’s more than his play on the field. He’s a guy who can be a leader and that makes things so much easier in the clubhouse.”

Zimmerman wasn’t drafted out of Kellam High School. He graduated 23rd out of 300 in his class and went to the University of Virginia on a baseball scholarship. Reynolds, a shortstop, was a year ahead of Zimmerman. The two battled as high school rivals but played together for two years at Virginia and remain close friends.

Courtesy of Cheryl Zimmerman - Even as a "late bloomer," Ryan Zimmerman's baseball skills began surfacing as a young player in Virginia Beach, Va.

“He was always an unbelievable fielder,” Reynolds said. Zimmerman assumed his years at UVa would lead to a great education (he was a sociology major), not a sporting future. “I didn’t really think I had a chance at being a pro,” Zimmerman says.

UVa head coach Brian O’Connor thought otherwise. “It was a pretty spectacular thing to watch him,” O’Connor says. “What also stuck out was his baseball knowledge, his understanding of the game. He was very confident and yet also very humble, which is rare in a player.”

Zimmerman’s humility also stemmed from his life at home. Cheryl was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when Zimmerman was in high school and since 1995 has been in a wheelchair. “She hasn’t been able to do a lot of the mom stuff, and I think that’s helped him be as mature and responsible as he is,” Reynolds says. “He’s almost wise beyond his years.”

Ryan and Shawn learned to do their own laundry, cook meals, work as handymen and repairmen, and transport themselves to and from practices. Zimmerman downplays the responsibilities, saying only that he learned from his mother how to take things in stride.

In 2006, Zimmerman began his ZiMS Foundation, raising funds and awareness in the fight to stop MS, which affects as many as 2.5 million people worldwide. His parents are on the board of directors, and the family hosts various events throughout the year in supporting the cause.

Zimmerman was called up to the major leagues by the Nationals in September 2005 after playing less than four months in Class A and Double-A and celebrated his 21st birthday later that month. Washington had selected him in the first round of the draft as the fourth overall pick that June, giving him a $3 million signing bonus.

Zimmerman hit .397 in the final 20 games of the ’05 season, sharing time with the veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla. When Castilla was traded to the Padres in the offseason, Zimmerman solidified his spot as the Nats’ starting third baseman heading into spring training.

Many sportswriters and Jim Bowden, the Nats’ general manager at the time, dubbed Zimm, as he’s known to friends and fans, the “face of the franchise” entering the 2006 season. For the reserved yet confident Zimmerman, the tag was a mixed blessing.

“The hardest thing for me was they wanted me to be that [face of the franchise] from day one,” Zimmerman says. “People don’t realize that I’m only 25 now.”

When the Nationals drafted No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg in June, many wondered whether the “face of the franchise” tag would be passed on to the young pitcher. Zimmerman met Strasburg and spent some time with him this summer. “It seems like he understands things and has a good grip,” Zimmerman says. “There’s lots of pressure on him, which is unfair; one person can’t change a team.”

“ He’s the kind of guy you can build a franchise around, which the organization has done, and that’s the ultimate compliment.

” – Mets third baseman David Wright on Ryan Zimmerman

And yet, in many ways, that’s what Zimmerman has tried to do. He led the Nationals in almost every offensive category in 2009: at-bats (610), runs (110), hits (178), doubles (37), RBIs (106) and total bases (320 — he was the only Nats player to surpass 300). His .292 batting average trailed only Nyjer Morgan‘s .307 among team members with at least 100 at-bats.

Defensively, Zimmerman led all National League third basemen in assists, total chances, total outs recorded and games started. His 110 runs were second-best among league third basemen, and his 33 homers tied with Evan Longoria for second. His 320 total bases led all third basemen.

“He’s just an all-around great player,” said Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, a good friend of Zimmerman’s. “He can hit bombs, but he also gets a lot of base hits. He plays smart, hardly makes any errors. He’s the exact type of guy that you’d want for your team.”

Especially a team that has continued to struggle. Washington’s overall record last year was baseball’s worst: 59-103. The Nationals finished tied for ninth among the 16 NL teams in batting average last year (.258). Their fielding percentage, however, was dead last at .977, and their 143 errors were also the most in the NL. Their pitching fared no better, compiling an NL-worst 5.00 ERA. Their 911 strikeouts were also the fewest among all NL teams.

Zimmerman’s role as a clubhouse leader has developed gradually. He points to the style modeled by Derek Jeter, the perennial Yankees All-Star whose talent speaks for himself and whose role isn’t overstated.

“Ryan was not a really vocal player,” O’Connor said. “He won’t go out and be the rah-rah guy, but he leads by what he brings to the field every day. His 100 percent consistent effort and attention to detail really was his leadership.”

Zimmerman’s evolution in Washington has also motivated the changing faces around him. When veteran Nick Johnson was traded away in August, Zimmerman admits that it wasn’t easy losing an established veteran. But he points to trades like the July acquisition of Morgan as a smart long-term move for the team.

“He’s always been one of those guys who’ll look at the big picture, whether we’re talking about what management group to use or what college to go to,” father Keith said. “When he looks at the Nationals, they have a brand-new stadium, they’re in a big-money market, and I think he sees the opportunity down the road. He’s a patient enough guy to wait for it.”

That even-keel persona is indicative of his personality both on and off the field. “We grew up at the beach surfing, and we always had that laid-back lifestyle,” Reynolds said. “He can have an 0-for-15 slump and he’ll snap out of it. I’ve never really seen him mad or fired up about anything.”

“He doesn’t let the highs or lows take over,” Nationals hitting coach Rick Eckstein said. “In those pressure-packed moments, he can step outside and analyze the situation for what it is.”

Eckstein points to a moment last spring during Zimmerman’s hitting streak. Zimmerman had yet to record a hit as the game reached the final innings. He stepped up to the plate and worked the count before “he smokes the ball into right center, and our whole dugout erupted because he kept the streak alive,” Eckstein said. “He had this big smile over his face. Everyone was pulling for him during that time.”

ESPN and other national broadcasts interrupted regular programming and switched over to his at-bats during the streak. Upton says he followed the streak through stats and Web updates. Zimmerman says he never felt added pressure and still treated each game like any other. “You should feel like you’re the best player out there, and you should tell yourself you are,” Zimmerman said. “You should be the guy everyone thinks will get the game-winning hit.”

Zimmerman says that baseball is full of “overthinkers.” He chooses to avoid the cerebral jinx. “You have to have a plan, and the longer you’re in the bigs, the easier it gets. Pitchers will set you up — they’re creatures of habit. If I’m facing [John] Smoltz, I’ll look at film and see what he’s done before. If I’m ahead and then [the pitcher] got me out throwing off-speed pitches, then I’ll look for what he got me out on.”

He also acknowledges that every plan can’t be executed perfectly and that that’s part of baseball’s parity. “It’s such a cat-and-mouse game — if you’re a hair late or early, your whole plan is out the window. You can have everything set up perfectly, but it’s still so hard if you miss your pitch. Think about it — three out of 10 is horrible in any other sport, but it’s great in baseball. You’re gonna be crappy sometimes, but you have to learn to get better from failing.”

The Nationals’ strength and conditioning coach, John Philbin, trains Zimmerman at his gym throughout much of the offseason. “I wish every player were like Ryan,” Philbin said as he ran Zimmerman through a morning of intense upper-body workouts mixed with sprints and interval running. Zimmerman says that before Philbin’s arrival, he had some “baby fat” to work off. But at 6-3, 220 pounds, he’s in arguably the best shape of his life. In the offseason, he works out every weekday but gives himself the weekends off.

In January, he’ll travel to Tampa, Fla., to work out with a group of fellow major leaguers. He’ll stay through the start of spring training in Viera, Fla., and won’t return to Washington until April.

After his rookie year, Zimmerman bought a three-bedroom townhouse in Arlington. The 3,000-square-foot house is three stories tall but not flashy — the only extravagancies are a two-car garage and a small movie-theater room. Zimmerman is a self-professed movie nut (his collection hovers around 300 DVDs) and a Best Buy addict. “I joined that [Best Buy] Rewards card program and thought I wouldn’t really use it much,” Zimmerman says. “Then a month later, they’re sending me all these $25 gift cards because I’m shopping there so often.” Framed movie posters decorate the walls of the theater room, including signed posters from Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell.

Three years into his Arlington digs, he still hasn’t finished decorating. Framed photos sit on the floor of his office. His uncle visited last spring to assemble a wall of photos and a shelf of signed baseballs, which Zimmerman collected earlier in his major league tenure. His French bulldog, Miley, also has free reign around the house.

Ryan Zimmerman, 25, signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Nationals before last season.

“He hangs around with the right kind of people,” Reynolds says. “It’s pretty tough to be that close to him, but I got an early start. His support group is a really good one.”

Zimmerman is single and says that as he is recognized more often, dating is sometimes a challenge. “I’m not complaining about too many girls because I wouldn’t complain about that, but it’s different — you have to watch yourself,” Zimmerman said. He and his friends sometimes make up an alternative profession when they’re out in bars, saying Zimmerman is a golf-course designer. His dry sense of humor is seen most often by those who are close to him.

Even when he hangs out with his teammates, they rarely talk about baseball. Adam Dunn joined the Nationals last spring, and although he’s almost five years older than Zimmerman, the two have become good friends. “When we go out, it’s zero talk about baseball,” Dunn says. “We don’t want to go home and talk about our job. Once we leave the field, we’re done with it.”

“People assume that’s all you want to talk about,” Zimmerman says. “But when I’m with my closest friends, that’s usually the last thing we talk about.”

Zimmerman has never ridden the Metro, Washington’s subway system, and says that at this point, it’s a source of pride to see how long he can go before riding. He’s also never visited the Smithsonian museums, a goal for this past offseason that now will have to wait until next year. That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy the spoils of living in the nation’s capital. Zimmerman has toured Air Force One and the CIA’s training facilities and has even participated in simulations undergone by the nation’s secret service.

In 2007, he mentioned in a Sports Illustrated article that he’d like to meet the president. A few days later, the Nationals received a note from President Bush: “Tell Ryan I’m right down the street and he’s welcome for lunch anytime.” A lunch date was set a few weeks later, and Zimmerman brought teammates Austin Kearns and Nick Johnson. He has a framed photo of that day hanging in his office along with a signed note from the former president.

But even having a fan in the White House (though the current president is a well-known White Sox fan) doesn’t necessarily fill seats. The Nationals’ average attendance in 2009 was 22,716 fans, placing them 24th out of the 30 MLB teams. (Oakland was the league’s worst, at 17,392.) But that’s a large drop from 2008, the first year in their new $611 million ballpark, when the Nats averaged 29,005 fans per game.

“When it comes down to it, if you want fans there, you have to win,” Zimmerman says. When fans recognize him away from Nationals Park, they often want to talk about the stats he’s earning in fantasy baseball or when he thinks Teddy will finally win the popular President’s Race held at the park each game.

Zimmerman appears at various community events but shies away from too much attention. “I’m really boring with the media here on purpose,” he says. He also confesses that while he used to fear public appearances, now he doesn’t mind them, especially if they involve working with children.

When he’s not playing baseball or with his friends, Zimmerman enjoys watching the NFL. Cheryl is a Steelers fan, but Ryan cheers for the Redskins as a result of the friendships he’s formed with Cooley, quarterback Jason Campbell and several other Redskins players. He also plays fantasy football with his Nats teammates, which he says is a nice way to stay connected in the offseason. He lives fairly modestly; when asked how he’d spend his signing bonus in 2005, the then-20-year-old said he’d probably buy a Slurpee machine. (He hasn’t purchased one yet but says it may still happen.)

“He’s the kind of guy you can build a franchise around, which the organization has done, and that’s the ultimate compliment,” Wright said. The two players’ lockers were next to each other at the All-Star Game this summer, with Justin’s a few stalls down, which Wright says was a really special moment for the Virginia products. “We’re not rivals exactly, but we push each other because we want to outdo each other,” Wright said. “We’re almost baseball brothers in that sense.”

Though it was an impressive year of personal accolades, Zimmerman says he still feels he has work to do. “This year, I had a 10 or so game stretch where I’d botch a throw on an easy play,” Zimmerman says. “My goal defensively is to get rid of that.”

“He is, in my estimation, a complete player who pushes himself every single day,” Eckstein said. “He definitely has that level of never being satisfied, and that’s one of the greatest attributes a player can possess.”

His larger goal, of course, is still having a winning season and making the playoffs. “He’s been on a team before where they get to a point and struggle and it takes a while for them to make it,” Cheryl says. “I think he likes the challenge.”

With the offseason addition of veteran Pudge Rodriguez behind the plate, as well as high-profile younger players like Strasburg in the system, that turnaround might happen as soon as this upcoming season. “He talks about how he loves it here and this is the place he wants to be,” Cooley says. “When you’re playing for the team you want to play for, that’s awesome.”

The host walks away, satisfied, and Zimmerman is content to keep his incognito status.

Because in a few years — maybe even as soon as next season — that will change. One of baseball’s best players can stay hidden for only so long.

Anna Katherine Clemmons is a reporter for ESPN The Magazine.

Article taken from: ESPN the Magazine

Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson and Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman are among 10 “Dream Team for Public Service” winners from among 53 nominees selected for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which will recognize the top athletes who have given back to their community. Ronnie Lott, NFL Hall of Famer and founder of All Stars Helping Kids, today announced the winners, who will will be officially recognized in New York City at the third annual Sports Business and Philanthropy Luncheon on Tuesday, December 8.

In addition, two top winners will be honored at the national Jefferson Awards ceremony June 22nd in Washington, D.C. Past Jefferson Awards winners include four Supreme Court Justices, seven Secretaries of State; as well as Oprah Winfrey, Alan Greenspan, Peyton Manning, Colin Powell, Lance Armstrong, Barbara Bush and Bill and Melinda Gates.

The 10 “Dream Team For Public Service” winners (whose capsule accomplishments are attached) were selected by the prestigious Jefferson Award board and public voting:

• Nnamdi Asomugha (Lafayette, La.), defensive back, Oakland Raiders, NFL
• Curtis Granderson (Chicago), all-star outfielder Detroit Tigers, MLB
• Stuart Holden (Houston), forward, Houston Dynamo, MLS
• Dwight Howard (Orlando, Fla.), all-star forward, Orlando Magic, NBA
• Dirk Nowitzki (Wurzburg, Germany), all-star forward, Dallas Mavericks, NBA
• Tyrus Thomas (Baton Rouge, La.), forward, Chicago Bulls, NBA
• Justin Tuck (Coosa County, Ala.) all-pro defensive end, New York Giants, NFL
• Lauryn Williams (Rochester, Pa.), Olympian and World Champion sprinter
• Venus Williams (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.), Olympian and Grand Slam champion, WTA
• Ryan Zimmerman (Washington, N.C.) all-star third baseman, Washington Nationals, MLB

Teams from across the sports world nominated 53 athletes from 10 sports, with each athlete having a track record of community outreach as well as a sincere passion for service. Fan voting was conducted online or via text message, with over 25,000 votes logged during the process.

“These champions represent a wide swath of success both on and off the playing field, and we are very excited to be able to honor this group,” Lott said. “The real winners in this process are the millions of people that all these athletes have assisted in community service. It is an honor for us to recognize this group and assist all of them in their very noble endeavors.”

Sam Beard, founder of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service said, “Many times we forget that elite athletes from so many different walks of life are using their stature to make an impact – especially as role models for young Americans. This group is a great cross-sampling of what is being done in so many sports to impact the lives of others. They are all leaders and champions in their own way and we are proud to salute them all.”

About All Stars Helping Kids

Since 1989, All Stars Helping Kids has been a galvanizing force and vehicle for individuals and corporate partners to invest in the future of children in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. All Stars Helping Kids’ mission is to promote a safe, healthy, rigorous learning environment for disadvantaged children in low-income communities.

About the Jefferson Awards for Public Service

The Jefferson Awards for Public Service is a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. The Jefferson Awards were established in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard to establish a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, their primary purpose is to serve as a “Call to Action for Volunteers” in local communities. The Jefferson Awards Board of Selectors is co-chaired by the majority and minority leaders of the United States Senate – The Honorable Harry Reid and The Honorable Mitch McConnell, as well as Laura Bush, Teresa Heinz, Julian Bond, Michael Douglas, Whoopi Goldberg, and Lesley Stahl. 155 television stations and newspapers serve as Jefferson Awards media partners across the country highlighting grassroots “Unsung Heroes.”

Article taken from Nationals Website

WASHINGTON — Call Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman a two-time award winner. On Wednesday, he won his first Gold Glove Award. On Thursday, Zimmerman won the 2009 National League Silver Slugger Award.

Zimmerman is the second member of the Washington Nationals to earn a Silver Slugger. In 2006, Alfonso Soriano was awarded a Silver Slugger after hitting .277 with 41 doubles, 46 home runs, 95 RBIs and 41 stolen bases in his lone season with the Nationals.

“It’s nice to win awards. All of us in this game work very hard during the offseason and throughout the season,” Zimmerman said. “I take a lot of pride in what I do. It’s nice to get honored for it, especially when I know how hard it is to win these because of the good players that play here, not only in my position, but in this league. It’s a tough league to be good at.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seU3Mg8Wf40

Silver Slugger winners, presented by Louisville Slugger, are voted upon by the managers and coaches of all Major League Baseball teams and recognize the top offensive producer at each position in both the American and National Leagues.

Zimmerman, who made his first All-Star appearance this past season, had one of the best seasons of his career, hitting .292 with 33 home runs and 106 RBIs. He also hit 37 doubles and scored 110 runs.

Zimmerman’s biggest 2009 highlight came early in the season, when he went on a 30-game hitting streak. He joined Rico Carty and George Sisler as the only players since 1900 to hit in 30 consecutive games that early in a season.

“In terms of recognition, the streak helped out a lot, as well as the All-Star Game,” Zimmerman said. “We are on a team that is rebuilding and it’s young, and it doesn’t get as much exposure like some other people. We have some talented guys that have done some great things and don’t get the recognition. Once we start winning more and start getting into the playoff races, all my teammates will be recognized as well.”

Article taken from “Zimmerman wins Silver Slugger Award” from Nationals Website

WASHINGTON — Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made history on Wednesday, becoming the first Nationals player to win a National League Gold Glove Award.

Zimmerman led NL third basemen in assists, total chances, total outs recorded and games started. Almost every game, it seemed like Zimmerman put on a show at the hot corner — whether it was making a diving play or charging a ball to throw out a runner.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JRYUSsXbaw

“It’s a huge honor [to win the Gold Glove Award],” Zimmerman said. “When I got drafted in 2005, I think defense was my claim to fame and I developed into an offensive player. Defense has always been a big part of my game. I worked hard at it and I take a lot of pride in it. It is one of the best individual honors you can get, according to me.”

Zimmerman has been great with the glove since he entered the Major Leagues in September 2005, but didn’t receive a lot of recognition until this year. Why? Zimmerman said he learned to play the position a lot better.

“I know what I need to do — when to throw the ball, when not to throw the ball,” Zimmerman said. “That’s something I had to learn. I feel like anytime I touch the ball, I can get the person out. A lot of times in the past, I might go down the line, dive, backhand the ball and not have a shot at the runner.

“I’ve learned to hold on to the ball. That’s obviously better for the team. You don’t want to try to throw it everywhere and you have a runner on second and all that. I think it’s more of an understanding of the game and learning the position a little bit more.”

It was Zimmerman’s defense that made the Nationals select him in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. At the time, people like then-general manager Jim Bowden and then-scouting director Dana Brown compared Zimmerman to defensive specialists such as Brooks Robinson, Scott Rolen and Mike Schmidt.

Four years later, it’s safe to say that Zimmerman hasn’t disappointed Washington.

“He makes the impossible plays possible,” Nationals right-hander Jason Bergmann said. “He makes the plays you never expect him to make. When he makes an error, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, he made an error.’ He can get to many balls that no one can get to. It’s an everyday thing with him. Every day, he is making a great play.”

Interim manager Jim Riggleman believes that Zimmerman is Gold Glove-worthy.

“He had a great year,” Riggleman said. “He has great range, great hands. His throwing improved. The range over there is so good that he makes all the plays. If we need to get out of an inning — if it’s not a strikeout — then we say, ‘Hit it to Zimmerman.’”

While he is great with the glove, Zimmerman is aware the Nationals need to get better on defense, which ranked 30th in the Major leagues this past season. An improvement in this department would mean more wins for the franchise, according to Zimmerman.

“We had some young pitching, but I think our defense could have helped them out a little more,” Zimmerman said. “We need to take more responsibility on the defensive side of the ball and realize that if we want to start winning, defense is just as much a part of winning as hitting and scoring runs. We need a little bit more accountability and a little bit more pride. We have guys who are ready to do that.”

Article taken from “Zimmerman snags NL Gold Glove” on Nationals site

After playing a stunning season at third base, Ryan Zimmerman’s defensive prowess and acrobatic grace were rewarded when he was named the first ever ESPN Web Gem Champion. For those who have never watched Baseball Tonight, a Web Gem is an honor bestowed on the five greatest defensive plays of each night. As we’ve tracked at various times in this blog, Zimmerman has collected the most Web Gems (19) and Web Gem points (61) this season (points are on a scale of 1-5 with five going to the No. 1 Web Gem and one going to the No. 5 Web Gem). He also led the Nationals to victory in team Web Gem points. Zimmerman is in some good company at the top of the leaderboard. Former Virginia teammate Mark Reynolds finished behind him with 53 points.

Some interesting facts about the 2009 Web Gems, from Buster Olney’s blog on ESPN.com:

-          309 different players made at least one Web Gem in 2009

-          Every team made at least 15 Web Gems this season

-          A total of 776 Web Gems and 2,357 Web Gem Points were awarded

Winning this award has confirmed to Nationals fans what we have already known all along: Zimmerman is good at the hot corner. Baseball Info Solutions, a statistic tracking company that charted every defensive play in 2009, ranked him second in the Majors in “Good Fielding Plays” behind Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. We can also measure his success using the Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR). UZR measures the number of runs above or below average a fielder is in both range runs, outfield arm runs, double play runs and error runs combined. UZR/150 measures his UZR over 150 defensive innings played. This year, Zimmerman had a UZR/150 of 14.1 which is tops in the National League for third basemen (Kevin Kouzmanoff of the Padres is second at 7.5). Just for comparison’s sake, Zimmerman’s counterpart on the Mets–David Wright–ranks last in qualifying third basemen with a UZR/150 of -10.1.

Congratulations, Ryan! We look forward to hearing your name when they announce the Gold Glove Awards later this year.

Article taken from “Notes from NatsTown” on mlbblogs.com