Ryan Zimmerman waited 15 seasons to get a chance to play in the World Series. As the Washington Nationals’ first-ever draft pick, Zimmerman has been through all the ups and downs in the club’s history. So it was only fitting that “Mr. National,” the franchise hit the franchise’s first World Series home run, in his first at-bat.
His solo blast off Houston Astros ace Gerrit Cole spearheaded five unanswered runs by the Nationals in their 5-4 win in Game 1 of the series.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez admitted got emotional with Zimmerman’s blast.
“I’ll be honest with you, my eyes got a little watery for him,” Martinez said via NBC4 Sports. “He waited a long time to be in this position and for him to hit that first home run and put us on the board was awesome.”
Following the Game 1 win, Zimmerman said it felt like he was “almost floating” around the bases on the home run.
“First at-bat, to hit a home run and run around the bases, you’re kind of almost floating around the bases,” Zimmerman said via ASAP Sports. “To be able to do that is obviously what you work for. Not only you sacrifice for, but I think what your family sacrifices for. That’s why you play the game, to play on the biggest stage.”
