World Series champion Ryan Zimmerman reappeared on the DC Sports scene Wednesday – this time sporting a much bigger glove.
Zimmerman suited up as a goaltender and jumped on the ice after Washington Capitals practice concluded. The reason – unknown!
Video
Ryan Zimmerman. World Series Champion. Future…goalie? pic.twitter.com/lzDsidVcLY
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020
“Hey, I’m Ryan Zimmerman. I’m a baseball player. I’m about to attempt to play goalie against some of the best hockey players in the world. I’m terrified to death right now. I have no idea what to expect and I hope I don’t die.”
Well said, Ryan.
The two-time All-Star took the ice sporting a blank white helmet, solid red pads, and one of Braden Holtby’s Warrior goalie sticks.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020
A little bit of a bigger glove for Zim today 😬 pic.twitter.com/EBg3TDlhgS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020
To be honest, he looked pretty darn good out there. In this video, Zimmerman makes three consecutive impressive glove saves. Capitals players wildly cheer as he makes save after save including with his stick.
Zimmerman is pretty good with the glove. pic.twitter.com/V0pDb6kEIe
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) January 15, 2020
The glove saves continued while Alex Ovechkin shot one-timers on the Gold Glove-winning third baseman in 2009.
Ryan Zimmerman is in goal against Alex Ovechkin. Sadly, Ovi is taking it easy on him. pic.twitter.com/XgdZ4RbIg0
— Chris Gordon (@ByChrisGordon) January 15, 2020
Alex Ovechkin shooting one-timers at guest goalie Ryan Zimmerman pic.twitter.com/TXk4RvPBz7
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) January 15, 2020
At the end of the session, Capitals players congratulated Zimmerman on his impressive stint in goal, giving the makeshift goalie head pats and hugs.
Ryan Zimmerman earns the win in goal for the Capitals and gets some head pats. pic.twitter.com/Bqa7vWSCdv
— Chris Gordon (@ByChrisGordon) January 15, 2020
Inside the locker room, Todd Reirden thanked Zimmerman for coming to practice.
Zim’s final thoughts on his goalie experience today pic.twitter.com/ZMlPCdfLOV
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020
“What a great experience,” Zimmerman said. “Terrifying, but fun. Glad I did it. I’ll never do it again.”
World Series champion Ryan Zimmerman chats with Capitals head coach Todd Reirden. pic.twitter.com/C1aQtmwV4W
— Chris Gordon (@ByChrisGordon) January 15, 2020
“I don’t think he will make the team, but it’s great to see him out there and try to do what he can and I think he have fun and now he realize how hard it is to be a goalie,” Alex Ovechkin said, according to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti, adding that his shots towards Zim were “not that hard.”
The star baseball player is currently an unrestricted free agent and is pondering his next move – most likely retirement or another short-term contract with the Nationals.
“Love him. … He’s a guy that we are talking to,” Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo said at WinterFest according to MLB.com’s Zach Silver. “We’re not going to discuss [contract negotiations], but he’s a guy that, someday, there will be a statue with his likeness on it here in center field.”
“We’d love for him to end his career here in Washington.”
Tonight on @nbcwashington, Ryan Zimmerman the goalie? How Mr. National did in net against some of the best hockey players in the world #Nationals #Capitals #ALLCAPS @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/aHJsYjNAsi
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) January 15, 2020
Headline photo: @Capitals
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