Sports
Zimmerman 2-0 with Nationals
The Pointer
rnech142@uwsp.edu
Two years ago, Jordan Zimmerman was a junior pitcher for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point baseball team. He led the Pointers to a third-place finish in the NCAA Division III World Series.
Now Zimmerman is a promising young pitcher for the Washington Nationals with two Major League victories under his belt.
Zimmerman’s journey to the big leagues was a rapid one. After leading the Pointers to an NCAA Division III Championship during the 2007 season, Zimmerman was drafted by the Nationals in the 2006 amateur draft.
“The interval between his days in college and his first day as a major league ball player was very short,” said UW-SP baseball coach Pat Bloom. “The rate at which he ascended to the minor leagues and made his major league debut speaks not only of his talent, but the refinement of his abilities and his skills.”
Zimmerman, fresh off a year in the minors, has earned the Washington Nationals two wins. The 22-year-old played six innings against the Atlanta Braves in his first Major League appearance, allowing six hits and a two-run homer.
In his second start, Zimmerman threw against the Mets and built a formidable lead that ended in an 8-1 win. He also earned a 2.38 ERA and five strikeouts during the 5.1 innings.
Bloom said that to those who don’t know him, Zimmerman appears a bit introverted, but likes to crack jokes and enjoy the moment.
“The perception that he is very relaxed and easygoing hides an intense, competitive mindset that fuels his drive and passion for winning,” said Bloom.
Hopefully Zimmerman will keep up the good work.
“We’re just very proud of Jordan and what he’s done,” said Bloom. “He’s a great kid, always a great teammate and a great ambassador for Pointer baseball in the past.”
