With the June 4 Major League Baseball draft just three days away, former Virginia third baseman Ryan Zimmerman managed one final hit in four plate appearances to end his collegiate career.
Despite much speculation, Zimmerman's spot in the draft was not assured until his name was announced on draft day. After waiting for three other players to be selected, the nearby Washington Nationals exercised their fourth-overall pick -- first ever for the new organization -- on the talented corner infielder from Virginia.
Within a few minutes, both parties agreed to terms that would guarantee the Virginia Beach native a chance to hit the field as soon as possible, as opposed to engaging in similar contract disputes of fellow first-round draftees.
And now, just about five months after his selection, Zimmerman is about to make his major league debut in a sport that typically prefers to develop talent slowly.
"It has been incredible trying to achieve my goal," Zimmerman said. "It has been unreal so far. When you are younger, it is something that you dream of, but for me, it is becoming a reality."
During his three-year stay in Charlottesville, Zimmerman compiled totals proving his superior baseball talent.
Originally recruited by former baseball coach and Virginia mainstay Dennis Womack, Zimmerman made his first start in Virginia's 2003 season-opener at third base, a position he did not play until college. That year, Zimmerman compiled a .308 batting average and was second on the team in hits and RBIs.
"In my first year here, I could tell that Ryan had tremendous ability," Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. "He continued to progress throughout his career and tried to progress in the individual part of his game."
The following season, Zimmerman led the team in batting (.361) and broke Virginia's single season record for hits with 90. With his line-drive stroke and soft hands, he helped lead first-year coach O'Connor to a school-record 44-15 record and Virginia's first hosting of a NCAA Regional Tournament.
In the summer of 2004, Zimmerman was selected to play on the USA Baseball National Team. After batting .468, he earned the prestigious USA Baseball Athlete of the Year award and helped the team earn a gold medal at the University Baseball Championships.
In his final year at the University, Zimmerman's skill and experience shone as he hit .393, broke his own record with 92 hits in a season, lead Virginia in most major offensive categories and was named an All-American. Virginia finished 41-20 and made its second-straight NCAA Regional appearance.
"The academics were tough," Zimmerman said of his time at Virginia. "The baseball was great. The atmosphere was great. I just had a great time there."
After spending time developing his skill at the collegiate level, Zimmerman is ready to test his character and skill in the majors. At the moment, however, he is learning what it takes to combat the comparatively tougher minor leagues.
"The players are a lot smarter," Zimmerman said. Pitchers "know exactly how to get you out. You have to be more ready, more prepared."
In 61 games, he has batted .323 while playing shortstop for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. His minor league successes have impressed the higher members of the organization.
"The greatest quality that Ryan has is that he is humble and that he goes about his business," O'Connor said. "It does not surprise me that he has had the success that he has had in the minor leagues. When you play night-in and night-out professional baseball, it can crumble you very quickly because of the type of pitchers you see everyday. It has never been about him, it has always been about the team for Ryan. He is going to handle those situations because of the type of person he is."
According to a report that appeared on MLB.com last week, Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden announced that Zimmerman will be called up by Sept. 1. Because of injuries on the Washington pitching squad, however, several reports have noted that the Nationals may wait until after the previously announced date to call up Zimmerman, leaving him ineligible to participate in postseason play.
On or about Sept. 1, Zimmerman will change into his major league jersey and marvel at the name on the back. He will live a dream that started as a child and developed in college. Nationals' fans only can hope they will be treated to the same pleasure Virginia fans enjoyed during Zimmerman's playing days in Charlottesville.
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