He may be the face of the Nationals franchise, but baseball isn’t the only thing keeping Ryan Zimmerman busy. On Thursday night, the third baseman worked overtime at Nationals Stadium — not to throw a few 
balls — but to host the fourth annual “Night at the Park” fundraiser, benefiting his ziMS Foundation and its fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
“The ziMS Foundation has been making a real impact in the life of my family, as well as many others afflicted by Multiple Sclerosis,” Zimmerman has said of the organization. Zimmerman’s mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995, and Zimmerman wasted little time after reaching the Major Leagues putting his fame and fortune toward the greater good. Launched in 2006, the ziMS Foundation funds support and education programs for sufferers of MS, and has already raised over one million dollars for the cause.
Thursday’s sold-out event tipped the scales with over $300,000 in 
donations—all that before the results of the silent auction! With a strong showing from Zimmerman’s teammates, and appearances by other professional athletes including Brooks Laich of the Washington Capitals, the evening was topped with a musical performance by none other than Third Eye Blind.
