“Mr. Lerner is irreplaceable and his passing leaves a deep void in the Washington Nationals family,” said Knotts general manager Mike Rizzo, the club’s late managing principal owner. said in a statement following the news of Theodore N. “Ted” Lerner’s passing. A few days before Spring Training 2023 started last month.
“He was truly one of a kind,” added Rizzo.
“Having had the privilege of working under Mr. Lerner, we have observed a brilliant business mind and an unparalleled method of thoughtful analysis. He taught me lifelong lessons about power, his influence on me is immeasurable and I will always be grateful for the opportunities he gave to the entire Nationals organization.
“My deepest condolences to the Lerner family.”
Those comments were included in a press release from DC’s GM, but when speaking to reporters gathered in West Palm Beach, Fla., a few days later, Rizzo said Mr. Lerner was personal to him. I shared some more personal thoughts on what I meant. .
“Ted was a big part of my career,” said the former scout, scouting director, assistant GM and general manager of the man who worked with Lerner from 2006 until his death.
“Maybe the biggest influence in my career,” Rizzo continued. “He was a man of command, undemanding and of great respect. He got it from day one. He had an aura when you met him. He and I I think the unique dynamic that we had was that we spoke to each other very freely, especially in private, and we fought when we had to fight, we agreed when we had to agree, but I What we all had in common was that my job was to be the caretaker of the franchise and to honor and preserve the Lerner name – as it is in the DMV.”
Rizzo wasn’t the only one to discuss the impact Mr. Lerner had on their careers.
Nationals manager Davey Martinez also spoke to reporters about the opportunities he’s had with the Lerner family and his personal interactions with Mr. Lerner. He said it started when he was interviewed for a job on the bench before being hired at DC. A few years ago he didn’t get it.
“He was a great guy,” Martinez began. “He gave me the opportunity to do what I really love and accepted me here. So it’s been great.”
“I will never forget what he did for me and my family,” added the captain.
“I remember long ago — I interviewed for the job in 2013 — and obviously I didn’t get the job. [at that point]but he was the only owner to ever call me, and that meant a lot to me.
As Martinez explained, Mr Lerner called after the club hired Matt Williams as its new manager that year, but the owner said he was impressed during the interview process for the gig with the current manager. I have assuredly informed
“He called me and said, ‘Look, you can do anything.
“He said, ‘Your interview was great. Good luck with your life. And who knows what will happen in the future, but I thought it was pretty cool.'”
To honor Lerner’s legacy in the nation’s capital, the club announced last weekend that it would introduce him to the Ring of Honor, which wraps the facade below the upper deck of the Nationals’ home.
Lerner’s name will be the 24th addition to the Ring of Honor, placed behind home plate under the owner’s box.
Additionally, the club will wear a TNL patch featuring three stars (representing the DMV) above the late owner’s initials at home and away games this season.
