That’s Two ‘N’s Please

May 15, 2009

Poor Jordan Zimmermann is probably going to go through the remainder of his career with his name misspelled often. It doesn’t help that there’s another Zimmerman on the team, but at least the additional N meant the seamstress didn’t have to put first initials on the backs of the already long-named jerseys. Look closely at the end of his name on the bat – the last ‘N’ is hand written in!

The most awesome reason I was able to get that photo was because today Jordan Zimmermann (J-Z?) held his first signing session since being called up to the big leagues with the Nationals. Among the items he signed? My photo from his debut April 20th! Have I mentioned how giddy I am about this? I ran down to Nats Park to pick it up this afternoon immediately after the signing.

I heard he loved the photo and took a handful to give to his family and friends as well. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that players and their family love the photos I take (Hi Mom Hanrahan!).

Speaking of players moms who love my photographs, Ryan Church’s mom was one. So I was especially tickled when Andrew (AllStars Plus) unveiled a box of autographed balls from the Mets game Zimmermann pitched in New York on April 26th. Each ball had a certificate of authenticity (erroneously listing the pitcher as “Ryan Zimmerman”! They will be reprinted haha!) describing who was batting for each ball. The most amusing one — “Ryan Church hit by pitch”. Zimm signed it and wrote “Sorry Ryan” underneath.

Aww! Love this guy and his handwriting’s not bad either. I hope he becomes a top flight pitcher for years to come. Still not sure what to do with all that fishing tackle I got in his player favorites cooler from the Dream Gala auction, though :-) Do you know how much of that stuff I pull *off* the lighthouse?! The Swedish Fish are gone gone gone though!

Posted in MLB, Players, Washington Nationals