Ryan Zimmerman, the greatest player in Washington Nationals history, headlines the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 announced Wednesday.
Nine individuals and one Team of Distinction make up the class which includes two of the most prominent women in Washington basketball history and one of the most legendary men’s college hoops teams of all-time.
The induction ceremony will be held at Nationals Park on Sunday, July 21, prior to the Washington Nationals-Cincinnati Reds game. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately 12:30 p.m., followed by the game’s first at 1:35 p.m.
Ryan Zimmerman, who spent his entire 17-year career with the Washington Nationals and became a World Series champion in 2019, is among the 2024 DC Sports Hall of Fame class that includes University of Maryland basketball great Vicky Bullett and former Washington Mystics star Chamique Holdsclaw.
Other honorees include former H.D. Woodson High School swimming coach Bruce Bradford; former Washington football general manager Charley Casserly; the late Washington area basketball pioneer E.B. Henderson; popular sports broadcaster Dave Johnson; the second winningest pitcher in Washington baseball history, Emil “Dutch” Leonard; and legendary D.C. United defender Eddie Pope.
The historic 1983-84 NCAA men’s basketball national champion Georgetown University Hoyas will be recognized as this year’s Team of Distinction.
“The combination of athletes, coaches and contributors in this year’s class collectively showcase a diversity of achievement and representation that we are proud to honor,” said DC Sports Hall of Fame chair Bobby Goldwater.“Our committee is grateful for the ongoing support of the Washington Nationals and the Lerner familyfor their annual collaboration in conducting the induction ceremony at Nationals Park,” Goldwater added.
The members of the DC Sports Hall of Fame selection committee are chair Bobby Goldwater, a Georgetown University Sports Industry Management master’s program acting faculty director and sports industry consultant; chairman emeritus and veteran D.C. public relations executive Charlie Brotman; former radio and TV reporter/producer Brenda J. Curtis-Heiken; journalist David Elfin; George Washington University visiting assistant professor of sports management Meredith Geisler; sports television anchor Chick Hernandez; attorney Phil Hochberg; Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark Lerner; basketball executive and former coach Ed Tapscott; attorney Mark Tuohey; radio and television personality and former Washington pro football tight end Rick “Doc” Walker; basketball broadcaster, coach and former high school and college star Christy Winters Scott; baseball commentator and historian Phil Wood; and Montgomery Community Media News Director and University of Maryland adjunct journalism professor Joe Yasharoff.
Individuals nominated for inclusion must have gained prominence in the Washington area through their achievements in sports as an athlete, coach, owner, executive, member of the media or contributor. A professional, collegiate or high school team that has made a significant and positive impact in the Greater Washington community through outstanding achievement is eligible to be recognized as a Team of Distinction.
Katie Ledecky, Dominique Dawes, Paul Rabil, and Mike Barrowman are some of the Montgomery County natives who were previously inducted. The names of all DC Sports Hall of Fame inductees are prominently displayed at Nationals Park.
