Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the first player ever drafted by the Nationals, thanked President Trump during his visit to the White House.
His team was celebrating their first World Series win.
“To see all the fans show up, the parade, looking at the crowd here, we couldn’t have done it without you,” he told the crowd before telling Trump: “I would like to thank you for keeping everyone safe in our country and for continuing to make America the greatest country to live in in the world.”
Zimmerman also presented Trump with a Nationals jersey that said Trump and had the number 45. His comments and presentation of the jersey were met with cheers and applause.
“You’re so nice” is what Trump said in return to Zimmerman.
At the same event at the White House, Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki wore a “Make America Great Again” hat before he was hugged by Trump, who appeared surprised.
“I love you all! I love you all! Thank you!” is what he said.
Trump asked: “What a job he did? I didn’t know that was going to happen.”
Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, addressed a large crowd on the South Lawn of the White House and cheered the team for capturing “the hearts of baseball fans across the region and across the country” over the past season, according to The Hill.
“America fell in love with the Nats baseball,” Trump told the crowd. “That’s all they wanted to talk about—that and impeachment. I like Nats baseball much more.”
Most of the Nationals players and coaches were in attendance during the White House ceremony. Those who were absent included Anthony Rendon, Victor Robles, Michael A. Taylor, Wilmer Difo, Sean Doolittle, Joe Ross, Javy Guerra, and Wander Suero.
In the World Series, the team defeated the Astros in Game 7, which concluded on Oct. 30.
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5