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Ryan Zimmerman's best career moments

June 7, 2005: Start of an era

The Nationals selected the Virginia Beach native fourth overall out of the University of Virginia with their first Draft pick since relocating to D.C.

Sept. 1, 2005: Zim in the bigs

After playing 67 games in the Minors, Zimmerman jumped from Double-A to his Major League debut -- one pinch-hit appearance against the Braves at Turner Field.

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June 18, 2006: “Mr. Walk-Off” emerges

The rookie hit his first of 11 career walk-off homers in front of a home crowd at RFK Stadium on Father’s Day.

June 18, 2006

Nov. 13, 2006: Standout rookie

Zimmerman finished second in a close NL Rookie of the Year race, 101 points to Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez's 105.

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March 30, 2008: Welcome to Nats Park

When Washington opened its new home, Zimmerman became the third player in MLB history to connect for a game-ending homer in the inaugural contest of a big league ballpark.

March 30, 2008

Feb. 26, 2012: In it for the long run

Zimmerman furthered his long-term relationship with the Nationals by signing a six-year contract extension during Spring Training.

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June 24, 2014: Time to go home

Zimmerman stepped up to the plate in the 16th inning at Miller Park to turn a 5h22min showdown into a victory with his first extra-innings homer.

June 24, 2014

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July 29, 2016: Triple the defense

Playing first base against the Giants, Zimmerman initiated the first triple play in Nats history and the first 3-3-5 triple play in MLB history.

July 29, 2016

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Oct. 7, 2017: Career-year clutch

In Game 2 of the NLDS against the Cubs, he pummeled a go-ahead three-run blast to even the series and avoid an 0-2 deficit.

October 7, 2017

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Oct. 22, 2019: Out-of-this-World homer

Zimmerman described his solo dinger off Gerrit Cole in the Nats’ first World Series game as “kind of floating around the bases.”

October 22, 2019

Oct. 3, 2021: Deserved farewell

Unsure of his playing future, he received an emotional standing ovation from the home crowd before walking off the field for what turned out to be his final game.

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June 18, 2022: Employee No. 11 forever

Zimmerman became the Nats’ first player to have his number retired during a weekend-long celebration of his career that included the return of several former teammates.

Emotional moment