WASHINGTON -- Nationals’ first Draft pick, team leader across the statistical categories, Employee No. 11, Mr. National and, now, the first player to have his number retired at Nationals Park.

Ryan Zimmerman’s legacy was cemented in Nationals lore on Saturday, before a 10-inning 2-1 loss to the Phillies, when his name and number were unveiled along the first-base side overlooking the ballpark he called home for 16 seasons.

“When you look up that No. 11, I hope it gives you the same feeling I get inside,” an emotional Zimmerman told the crowd at Nationals Park. “You should, because it’s as much yours as it is mine.”

Four months after Zimmerman announced his retirement from the game he played as a Major Leaguer from 2005-21, the Nats honored him with a two-day event at Nationals Park. The festivities began on Friday with Q&A sessions and concluded Saturday with a momentous pregame number retirement ceremony.

“I talk about going 1-0 every day and winning your day,” manager Dave Martinez said. “Ryan Zimmerman won his day, and today, he is going 1-0.”

As current Nationals players intently watched the ceremony from the dugout, former teammates Brian Schneider, Jordan Zimmermann, Laynce Nix, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Jayson Werth, Adam LaRoche, Gio González, Daniel Murphy and Jordy Mercer were among those in attendance. Zimmerman was taken by the turnout.

“I think that’s the coolest part, seeing the people I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “I feel like I’m getting ready for a wedding today. Everyone says at a wedding, ‘You never know when this many people are going to be in the same room again, maybe ever.’ I honestly feel like it’s kind of like that.”

In addition to a tribute video that included messages from Daniel Hudson, Sean Doolittle, Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer, Craig Stammen, Yan Gomes, Nick Johnson, Dusty Baker, Trea Turner, James Brown, Mark DeRosa, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Grandpa Zim, those at the ballpark raved about their time shared on the Nationals with Zimmerman.

“He deserves every bit of it,” said Espinosa. “He was a very good leader, a very good representation of a role model of what you would tell your kids to look at and model their careers and life after.”

Echoed Werth, “As a lockermate and as a friend and as a teammate, he’s one of the best. He really is. He deserves all of the honors and all of the accolades. This day is all about him.”

After debuting with the Nats in 2005, Zimmerman retired as the franchise (Nationals/Expos) leader in games played (1,799), hits (1,846), runs scored (963), RBIs (1,061), doubles (417), home runs (284) and total bases (3,159). He accumulated a .277/.341/.475 career slash line with an .816 OPS, while winning the 2019 World Series and earning two All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove Award.

“I don’t think you set out to do that kind of stuff. I was just always told to play the game the right way, treat people with respect,” said Zimmerman, who was introduced for the ceremony with the song "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw. “I just try to lead by example and do the right thing and always be there for people.”

Just like his past, Zimmerman’s future is rooted in the DMV community. He is raising his family, who narrated a special video, in the area and was appointed as special advisor for baseball and business operations for the Nats.

“Nobody thinks this is going to happen, nobody expects this to happen,” Zimmerman said of the number retirement. “You don’t take it for granted, you appreciate it and you just want to continue to do things to help the organization, help the community. It doesn’t stop after today.”