Jordan Zimmermann is a former American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on May 23, 1986, in Auburndale, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he played college baseball for the Pointers.
Zimmermann was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the second round of the 2007 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2009. He quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the Nationals, earning an All-Star selection in 2013 and finishing seventh in the National League Cy Young Award voting that same year.
Throughout his career, Zimmermann was known for his control and ability to induce ground balls. He threw a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup, and was particularly effective at keeping hitters off balance with his off-speed pitches.
In 2015, Zimmermann became a free agent and signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. He spent four seasons with the Tigers, but was hampered by injuries and saw his performance decline. In 2019, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he finished out the season before becoming a free agent once again.
Zimmermann signed a minor league contract with the Nationals in 2020 and was called up to the major leagues in September. He made two starts for the team, allowing just one run in 10 innings pitched.
In November 2020, Zimmermann announced his retirement from baseball. Over the course of his career, he compiled a 95-91 record with a 4.07 ERA and 1,152 strikeouts in 1,425 innings pitched. He also threw a no-hitter for the Nationals in 2014, becoming just the fifth pitcher in franchise history to accomplish the feat.
Off the field, Zimmermann was known for his quiet demeanor and work ethic. He was a two-time recipient of the Nationals' Good Guy Award, which is given to the player who best represents the team to the media. He was also active in charitable endeavors, including supporting the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Overall, Jordan Zimmermann had a successful career as a starting pitcher in MLB, earning accolades and respect from his peers and fans alike. While injuries and age caught up with him in his later years, he will be remembered as a reliable and effective pitcher who always gave his best effort on the mound.
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