So Long Mr. Zimmerman Employee Number 11

 

Ryan Zimmerman The Nat's first ever Draft Pick (well as the Washington Nationals) announced his retirement on 15 February 2022. Then at the beginning of the delayed Spring Training opening the organization announce that they will officially retire his Employee Number 11 Jersey Number on 18 June 2022. Two other Nationals wore number 11 in 2005 before Ryan wore it, Jeffery Hammonds and Junior Spivey, but it is Ryan who is known for wearing that number, previously he was Employee Number 25.

2006 Fleer Baseball 228 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals

Image from Trading Card DataBase 

(I have a copy of this and/or maybe the gray/silver version,

but couldn't find my copy in time to scan it for posting)

An image I created using an old CheckOutMyCards logo and a Getty Image of Ryan. 

Here is one of my Fave Zimmerman cards. I wish it was available in a non-chrome version but it was apparently only for Chrome. This card was made several years before the Nats ever wore an Expos Throwback uniform. As far as I know they have only worn a Montreal Throwback uniform (The powder blue away uniforms) the one time. They have worn retro Homestead Grays uniforms plenty of times. Not a very flattering image of him, but it is better than some sketch cards.

2010 Topps Chrome Baseball: National Chicle CC49

Ryan Zimmerman Montreal Expos

Here is an oddball Z-Man Card I like: It is a die-cut standee so it is very fragile. I think I might have wrecked it some after I scanned it while removing it from the scanner.

2009 Enterplay MLB Fan Pak #60 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals Standee

Now here is what will be Ryan's last career era card.

2022 Topps Baseball 296 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals

All Revved Up And Somewhere To Go

 Not much of a story for this post other than looking at some nice cards and getting teary eyed nostalgic or something. The first card of Ryan Zimmerman, who may or may not be back on the Nats Roster in 2022. The other card of a couple of players that were real fun to have around but are no longer with the team.

2020 Topps Baseball Series 2 - 385 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals

2020 Topps Baseball Series 2 - 640 Rev'd Up Eaton, Kendrick Shift Gears

Adam Eaton and Howie Kendrick Washington Nationals

Senators Singles: Ryan Zimmerman 2009 Oddball

RYAN ZIMMERMAN 2009 Enterplay MLB Fan Pak Baseball

Here is a quick Senators Singles post. I am not sure when or how I acquired this card whether it was from a trade or a purchase. I think it was from a purchase from someone on a trading forum and I think it was one of 3 or 4 cards/items. If it was a purchase I paid somewhere between $5 to $10 for it maybe shipping added. Then again it could have been from a trade.

It is an Oddball card meaning it is from a manufacturer that is not your regular trading card maker it is also an oddball size 3 and 3/8 inches by 3 and 3/8 inches, plus this particular card is also one of those standee cards that has perforations that allow you to fold and bend the card so that it stands up (and thus reducing the value and more so the condition of the card)  It is from the 2009 EnterPlay MLB Fan Pak set The Trading Card Database (TCDB) has the checklist. I noticed there are some cards from the set I will need to get sometime.as there are one or two of my PC guys and a few guys who were future Nationals. The only "National", that is the only player who was on the Nats at the time the set was released, is Ryan Zimmerman which is the card I have and am featuring in this post. In the photo Ryan is wearing a throwback cap that is sort of an homage to the Original Senators team circa the 1920s except it is more modernized with a red bill that makes it a weird combination era hat.

Anyway I don't have a story to yarn about so here is the card:

2009 EnterPlay MLB Fan Pak Baseball: 60 Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals

We shouldn't be here. Should we? WILD CARD EDITION

WOW! We shouldn't be here. Should we?

WILD CARD EDITION

Tuesday 01 October 2019

The Nationals sneaked into the playoffs. They may have lost the NL East Division to the mighty Braves, but they managed to get into the Wild Card game. To be painfully honest, the Nationals should NOT be in the position they wound up in. They started off the 2019 season dismally in what looked like it was going to be another sub par season, maybe even a losing season (which they haven't had since 2011 when they went 80-81 missing a rained out game that wasn't vital to any post seasons for anyone). After 50 games and some early injuries always the injuries at inopportune times, they were a measly 19-31. Hardly a team that could make it to the playoffs. Then...

They started following skipper Dave Martinez's policy of going 1-0 every game. Don't worry about last night's loss or bask in the glory of the win the day before, don't anticipate tomorrow's win just concentrate on the here and now one game at a time and "Stay in the Fight" and have fun. From mid May to the end of the season (and into the Playoffs) the Nationals got RED Hot and finished the regular season 93-69 and got the number one Wild Card spot with a 4 game lead ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers who finished 89-73.

So they play the Brewers in the one game "win it and you're in it" Wild Card game. During the regular season the two teams met six times and the Brewers  bested the Nats 4-2. The Wild Card game would begin in a similar fashion. The Brewers scored a two run homer in the first adding another homer in the second to bring them quickly up 3-0. Bottom of the 3rd the Nats answer back with a solo homer by Trea Turner making it 3-1. The score would remain there 4 solid innings and on through the top of the 8th.

Then came the crazy bottom of the 8th. Center fielder Victor Robles strikes out swinging. Then comes in young pinch hitter Michael A. Taylor hitting for the pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Taylor gets hit by a pitch. Next batter Trea Turner strikes out swinging. One on and two out the face of the franchise Ryan Zimmerman pinch hits and gets a broken bat single, speedy Taylor reaches 3rd. Zimmerman is lifted for pinch runner Andrew Stephenson. Next batter Tony "Two Bags" Rendon draws a walk, Stephenson goes to second, bases are loaded. 20 year old Juan Soto comes to bat. On the count of 1-1 Soto hits a single. Taylor scores easily, Stephenson also scores, Rendon reaches 3rd. The Brewers fielder makes an error lets the ball get by him and boots it some, Rendon scores, Soto reaches second then gets caught in a rundown, Nats pull ahead 4-3.

Top of the 9th Brewers strike out swinging, single, foul out, and line out to end game. Nats win 4-3 and advance to the NLDS to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Highlights:
2019 NL Wild Card Game
Another YouTube Video

Senators Singles: 2018 Topps Now Ryan Zimmerman Career Hits

2018 Topps Now Ryan Zimmerman Career Hits

For this episode of Senators Singles I have a Ryan Zimmerman 2018 Topps Now card celebrating his 1,696th career hit. The hit broke the Expos/Nationals franchise record previously held by Tim Wallach

I got the card from Ebay for $6.64 Free Shipping.

 2018 Topps Now Baseball: 535 Ryan Zimmerman

Throwback Threads: 50th Anniversary Style

THROWBACK THREADS

Franchise 50th Anniversary

I don't recall when this retro "throwback threads" trend of MLB teams wearing retro versions of vintage uniforms from the team's past began, but ever since the Montreal Expos moved to become my beloved Washington Nationals they haven't worn any Expos throwback uniforms... Until now. On Saturday 06 July 2019 The Washington Nationals are going to be wearing Montreal Expos Throwback Uniforms vs the Kansas City Royals who will also be wearing retro throwback uniforms. The Nats will specifically be wearing The Expos 1969 powder blue road unis. Huh? Road Jerseys at home? According to the Washington Post article it is because the road uniforms are more striking than the home whites. I am a little sad we won't see Bryce Harper in an Expos Uniform even though there are mockups of him in one on the internet.

So a card that was made almost 10 years ago showing Face of The Franchise Ryan Zimmerman in an Expos Uniform will turn from fantasy to reality. I just hope Ryan doesn't get back on the Injured List between now and then. The card is a 2010 Topps Chrome National Chicle card. Why they didn't have a regular version of this card I'll never know. I am bummed it is only in the Chrome version as I have a strong aversion to Chrome cards. Not as bad as my anti-relic cards stand but sometimes pretty darn close.

2010 Topps Chrome - National Chicle: CC49 

Ryan Zimmerman Nationals/Expos

553/999

So it took the 50th Anniversary of the Franchise for them to finally wear RexTros Uniforms. I plan on at least watching Saturday's game. At one point I thought about going to the park and getting a ticket. I'm not sure if the game is sold out or not. If I find the energy and a VHS tape I might record the thing. Not sure if I'll go that far or not.

Award Time 2017 Edition

Wow the Awards for Nats this year (2017) were sort of slim pickins for what was won. The winners of a couple of this years awards are much like from last year (2016). Hmm almost exactly like last year.

NL Cy Young Award: Max Scherzer 2nd Year in a row for winning this one. His 3rd over all. His first one he won when he was with the Detroit Tigers.

2016 Topps Baseball Update: US169 Max Scherzer

NL Silver Slugger 2nd Base: Daniel Murphy this is also his second year in a row for this award.

2016 Topps Baseball Update: US125 Daniel Murphy ASG

Surprise sort of award The MLB Award for Best Performance Anthony Rendon. For his 6 hit 10 RBI day 30 Apr 2017 vs New York Mets.

2015 Topps Stadium Club Baseball: 142 Anthony Rendon

From the Player's Choice Awards: The National League Outstanding Pitcher: Max Scherzer

2016 Topps Baseball: Record Setters: RS-5 Max Scherzer

The National League Comeback Player: Ryan Zimmerman

2013 Topps Baseball: Red Parallel: 80 Ryan Zimmerman

Note: This post sat for way too long in my post draft queue it is almost irrelevant now.

Back To Back To Back To Back

Goodwin, Difo, Harper, Zimmerman WOW!

2017 Topps Now Online Card

What a Win what an accomplishment. On Thursday's 27 July 2017 home game vs the Milwaukee Brewers the Nats tied an MLB record which is also a team/franchise record. They smashed 4 back-to-back Homers, which technically is Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back. Making them the 8th team to have 4 consecutive HRs in an inning. Plus two batters later another Homer making it 5 HRs in one inning for a team record.

It all happened in the 3rd inning and all against Michael Blazek on his starting debut. Poor guy good thing it wasn't his Major League debut that was in Jun 2013 for the Cardinals. Having had some relief work under his belt he wasn't a totally newbie.

The Nats were leading 2-0 when starting pitcher Max Scherzer leads off the bottom half of the 3rd with a walk.

On 1-0 count Brian Goodwin knocks in a two run homer bringing in max to make it 4-0.

Next Wilmer Difo smacks in a homer on a 1-1 count 5-0.

he is followed by Bryce Harper on a full count it is now 6-0.

The Nats current Home Run King Ryan Zimmerman joins the back-to-back club on his first pitch to make it 7-0.

2011 Panini Limited Authentic Timber Lumberjacks 5 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

Bat chip (sliver) SN# 134/299

Then Daniel Murphy... flies out ending the streaking homers to some light hearted booing from the home crowd.

Next batter Anthony Rendon launches a Homer on the 0-1 pitch and it is 8-0.

They went on to score a few more Homers breaking a team record of 8 HRs in a game. They won the game 15-2.

Oh and it was Max Scherzer's Birthday what a way to celebrate your 31st year.

The Topps Now card that I showed at the top of this post I didn't think about until checking Ebay on a previous Topps Now Card (one I have talked about before and mentioned below) I found the 4 consecutive HRs card for sale on Ebay for $5.99 free shipping. The seller (toppsnow) I think started with 10 available and I noticed 6 had sold within 24 hours so I thought I should grab it before it was gone at that price. The downside is I have to wait til they actually get the card from Topps. The small print says they buy the things during the initial Topps Now 24 hours. The cards usually arrive at the seller 2 weeks later and they ship the cards out the day they receive. So I won't see that card for a while. Ebay's estimated delivery says it ships from Sept 12 to 25. I ordered another Topps Now card from them Ryan Zimmerman's 235th career HR Franchise Record. Plus my shopping spree from two other sellers gets me the Trea Turner Cycle card (#83 the other card ODB-2 a seller has listed for $99 WTH?) and a Bryce Harper Solo homer and Grand Slam 4for4 card. Those two are expected at a quicker speed between 04 Aug and 09 Aug. Yeah yeah I know I've said horrible things about Topps Now mostly the digital online only ones. They often look very nice and the subjects will probably not get put on a card anyplace else, or at least not for sometime. I just have to be careful and make sure I'm getting a PHYSICAL copy, not a digital version.

Related Links:
WATCH: Nationals club four straight home runs against Brewers to make MLB history- CBS Sports

Washington Nationals hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back homers, and five in one inning - Federal Baseball

Record Power - Nats hit 5 HRs in 3rd, 4 in a row - MLB

The Nationals hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs - SBNation
Nationals slug four HRs in row, five in one inning to tie MLB record - Sporting News
Nationals hit 8 HRs to blast Brewers 15-2 - WTOP

Nationals mentioned in this post:
Wilmer Difo
Brian Goodwin
Bryce Harper
Anthony Rendon
Max Scherzer
Trea Turner
Ryan Zimmerman

Nats First Triple Play

WOW! What a play!

On Friday 29 July, 2016 in San Francisco against the Giants The Nationals made their first Triple Play in Team History*

THE SETUP: It is the bottom of the 8th The Nationals are ahead 4-1. Oliver Perez Pitching. Lead off batter Denard Span (Was with the Nationals last year) hits a single to third. Second batter Angel Pegan hits a single to center. Buster Posey at bat, Nats switch pitchers to Blake Teinen, Posey Walks. Bases loaded Span at 3rd, Pegan at 2nd and Posey at 1st.

The Nationals make a rare Triple Switch, they bring in Sammy Solis to pitch, Danny Espinosa to Shortstop and Ryan Zimmerman to First Base. Brandon Crawford comes up to bat.

THE PLAY: With one strike against him Brandon Crawford hits the next pitch. A line drive directly at first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. He catches it for out number 1, Runs to first base steps on the bag for out number 2 and launches the ball to third base.

Third baseman Anthony Rendon catches the ball and steps on third for out number 3. Base runner Buster Posey (at first) has too large a lead to get back to first base, he is still a little stunned. Denard Span base runner at third races toward home on contact, as Zimmerman is fielding the ball. Span would later say he thought the ball had one hopped before getting to Zimmerman.

I think Denard had the same expression Friday Night after the Triple Play.

The Nationals get their first Triple Play and end up winning the game with the same score of 4-1. It is also a historic play as it is the first 3-3-5 Triple Play in MLB History. Sadly the Nationals would lose Saturday's and Sunday's Afternoon Games allowing the Giants to split the four game series 2-2.

* Well since they have been in DC the Montreal Expos had made many Triple Plays in their history. At least 10 times with the last one being in 2002 vs. The Phillies.

Related Links:
Nationals Turn First 3-3-5 Triple Playin Major League History- CNSNews.com
Nats slay Giant threat with historic triple play - MLB.com
Nationals Unique Triple Play vs. Giants Was Historic For Many Reasons- nesn.com
Nationals turn first-of-its-kind  triple play to win against Giants- Yahoo.com

A Couple of Infield Autos

A few weeks back I got a couple of auto cards from a seller on Sportlots from two auctions both for the opening .25¢ bid. I forget what the final postage was. Some of those dealers don't give much of a break on shipping. Anyway it wasn't until I logged them onto my Zistle and TradingCardDataBase lists (or attempted to) that I noticed one of the was not an "officially certified autograph". What the heck it looks close enough to real sigs I've seen of the player that I believe it to be a real in-person or through the mail auto.

First the "Unofficial Autograph" card. It is a 2007 Topps Turkey Red Baseball Chrome Gold Variant serial numbered to 1999 with an autograph signed on-card with a black sharpie. Card #127 Ryan Zimmerman.

 2007 Topps Turkey Red Baseball Gold 127 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

#d 0347/1999 w/black sharpie autograph "uncertified"

(Front and Back)

Next is a "Certified Autograph" 2011 Topps Chrome Baseball Certified Autograph Issue signed on-card in blue sharpie. Card #33 Danny Espinosa RC.

 2011 Topps Chrome Baseball Certified Autograph Issue

33 Danny Espinosa RC Nationals on-card autograph in blue sharpie

(Front and Back)

All the dust looking specks on the front of the cards is from the scanner glass. I didn't wipe it down before scanning.

For the Zimmerman front image I had to adjust the brightness/contrast some so I could see the auto on my computer. The chromeness of the gold foil doesn't scan well. Maybe I should have brightened up the Espinosa also.