Close to home: Nats players born in the DMV

January 15th, 2021

Imagine signing with a Major League organization, and it's only a short drive away from where you grew up. That has been the case for a handful of Nationals players who were born in the DMV. Take a look at those from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia who went on to wear a Nats jersey, as well as notables who lived in the area before going pro.

Washington

INF
Birthplace: Washington
High School: Woodrow Wilson HS

Burriss appeared in five games for the Nationals in 2015. He also played for their Triple-A affiliate in ‘14, ‘15 and ‘17.

Maryland

OF
Birthplace: Olney, Md.
High School: Sherwood HS in Sandy Spring, Md.
College: University of Maryland

A Nationals fourth-round Draft pick in 2005, Maxwell played 122 games for Washington across three seasons (‘07, ‘09, ‘10). Over that time, he slashed .201/.319/.379.

Virginia

LHP
Birthplace: Virginia Beach, Va.
High School: Ocean Lakes HS in Virginia Beach, Va.
College: College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

Bray was selected by the Expos in the 13th round of the 2004 Major League Draft. He appeared in 19 games out of the Nats’ bullpen in ‘06 and posted a 3.91 ERA.

RHP
Birthplace: Lynchburg, Va.
High School: Princess Anne HS in Virginia Beach, Va.
College: Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

The 2019 World Series champion closer is entering his third season with the Nationals. He has earned 16 saves with a 6-2 record and a 3.55 ERA in 45 2/3 frames.

RHP
Birthplace: Alexandria, Va.

Latos, who moved from Virginia to Florida growing up, pitched in six games (one start) for Washington in 2016. He went 1-1 with a 6.52 ERA.

DMV notables

INF
High school: Westfield HS in Chantilly, Va.

Snyder grew up in Centreville, Va., and he was drafted by the Orioles with the 13th overall pick in 2005. Eleven years later, he became a part of his hometown organization when he signed with the Nationals in ‘16 (and again in ‘19 and ‘20). Snyder has appeared in 238 games for Washington on the Minor League level.

INF
High School: Kellam HS in Virginia Beach, Va.
College: University of Virginia

Born in North Carolina before moving to Virginia, Zimmerman has made his mark on and off the field in the D.C. community. The Nats' first Draft pick in 2005, he is the franchise’s all-time leader in hits, home runs, RBIs, runs scored and games played, among other categories. Zimmerman’s outreaches include establishing the ziMS Foundation, sitting on the board of the National MS Society and donating $1 million to the UVA baseball program in '16.