#stephen-strasburg

#stephen-strasburg

He made his long-awaited Major League debut just 364 days after the Nationals drafted him. He excelled in college at San Diego State University, where Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn coached him, and in his MLB debut, oh boy, did he shine. In just seven innings of work, he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates, allowed two runs on four hits, and didn't walk an opposing batter. The anticipation for greatness built, and although injury cut his rookie season short,

In the moments that soon followed, as the team celebrated and righty Stephen Strasburg took home World Series MVP honors, was the debate in the back of everyone's mind about the impending free agency of two of their homegrown superstars. Strasburg was one, but the other big free agent, Anthony Rendon, was coming off easily the best season of his career, and the team had a huge choice to make.

In 2009, the Nats selected Stephen Strasburg, a number two overall prospect and top pitcher, leading to a Hall of Fame worthy career and their first World Series title.