This morning, the Washington Nationals were hit with some sad news when it was learned that longtime owner Ted Lerner had passed away at the age of 97.
Lerner helped bring baseball back to Washington DC and even built a contending ballclub that stood for several seasons.
He oversaw talent such as Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Juan Soto, Stephen Strasburg, and Anthony Rendon.
He was also a key factor in the construction of the 2019 World Series squad.
That team beat the Houston Astros and gave the Nationals their first ever World Series title.
On Twitter, Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis paid his respects to his friend, listing all of his major accomplishments during his exemplary life.
RIP Ted Lerner. Built this city, built Tysons Corner. The Lerner name is impeccable everywhere. He won a World Series for the fans of the @Nationals. Family First. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, business icon and GIANT. Will never be another like Mr. Ted Lerner https://t.co/z0T1ClVvvO
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) February 13, 2023
Lerner was a key figure in the Washington DC area and helped revitalize the sports scene in the nation’s capital.
The Nationals had previously been at the Montreal Expos.
But in 2005, DC finally got a chance to see a new baseball team in action.
It took several years, but by 2012, the Nationals had a strong young team in place.
With Zimmerman leading the way, stars such as Harper and Strasburg began to make their presences felt in the city and with the franchise.
Lerner’s business expertise helped change the fortunes of a team that for years had known nothing but heartbreak, giving the fanbase something to cheer for and some very solid players in the process.
Fans in DC will be forever grateful for Lerner’s impact on the Nationals and the entire region and will remember him fondly for years to come.
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The Nationals Say Farewell To A Prominent Figure
