As President and founder of the ziMS Foundation Ryan is its biggest supporter.
Ryan receiving the Silver Slugger Award.
In 2009 he personally donated $100,000 to the Foundation. He also obtains several autographed memorabilia from professional athletes which are auctioned off at the Annual Gala. Through his public appearances, he is able to promote the Foundation and help to “bring home a cure” for Multiple Sclerosis. His countless hours and tireless efforts have allowed the Foundation to raise over $400,000 since its inception in 2006.
In 2007 Ryan turned in a solid sophomore season, batting .266, with 43 doubles, 24 home runs and 91 RBI. His 18 game-winning RBI ranked 2nd in MLB behind only Colorado’s Matt Holliday (19). He started in all 162 games the first in Washington Nationals franchise. He led the Nationals in hits (174), runs (99), homeruns (24), extra base hits (72) and RBI (91), he paced all third basemen with 43 doubles, which also tied Ryan Church for the team lead. He blasted his first grand slam off Kevin Gregg on April 22. . In 2007 he had a pair of double-digit hitting streaks: team season-high 13-gamer (Sept 14-26) and a 10-gamer (July 4-17).
In 2008 Ryan started the season with a walk-off homerun against the Atlanta Braves. It was the first home run hit by a Nationals' player in the history of their new ballpark. Zimmerman was placed on the disabled list on June 3, 2008 with a small labral tear in his left shoulder. He rejoined the team July 22, 2008 after a short minor league assignment. On February 20, 2009, Zimmerman agreed to a $3.325 million, one year deal for 2009, avoiding arbitration
Ryan receiving the Golden Glove Award.
On April 20, 2009, Zimmerman signed a five year, $45 million contract with the Nationals through the 2013 season, replacing the one year, $3,325,000 contract he agreed to in February to avoid arbitration. He hit safely in 30 consecutive games, the longest such streak by any player since 2006. His streak of reaching base (via hit or walk) in 43 consecutive games ended on May 26. On July 5, 2009, he was selected to his first All-Star Game. September 2009, he was named the first ever ESPN Web Gem Champion. On November 11, 2009, he won a Gold Glove Award as the best defensive third baseman in the National League, and on November 12, 2009 he won a Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive third baseman in the league.
