Former Cavalier Zimmerman Wins First Gold Glove

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Virginia third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has earned the National League’s 2009 Rawlings Gold Glove Award at third base, Major League Baseball announced today. Zimmerman, who plays for the Washington Nationals, is the first former Virginia player to earn the distinction, and he is just the fourth player who competed in the ACC to win the award.

Zimmerman joins Mark Teixiera (Georgia Tech), Doug Mientkiewicz (Florida State) and Jason Varitek (Georgia Tech) as the only players who competed in the ACC who have gone on to win the Gold Glove Award. Miami’s Charles Johnson won the award, but competed at UM prior to the Hurricanes joining the ACC.

Zimmerman is the first former ACC player to win the award at third base. He also is the first Washington National to earn the honor.

Zimmerman had a career year in all facets of his game. He made his first All-Star team and batted .292 with 33 home runs and 106 RBI, while leading all National League third basemen in assists, total chances, total outs recorded and games started.