Former UVA Baseball Star Conducts Memorable Interview With Dr. Anthony Fauci

Find the latest information on the University’s response to the coronavirus here.

If former University of Virginia baseball star Ryan Zimmerman is looking for a new career after he is done with the World Series champion Washington Nationals, he may make one heck of a broadcaster.

That much was clear on Wednesday when Zimmerman interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the lead members of President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force.

In a video that appeared on the Nationals YouTube channel, Zimmerman had the look of a seasoned journalist as he asked Fauci several questions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, including one about the coronavirus’ effect on pregnant women (his wife, Heather, is eight months pregnant) and when it might be safe for Major League Baseball to resume play.

What separated the interview from others, though, was the rapport Zimmerman had with Fauci, who said he has been a fan of Zimmerman’s ever since he left UVA.

In trying to brighten the mood some and give people quarantined at home a little bit of entertainment, Zimmerman asked Fauci who his favorite all-time baseball player is, about Brad Pitt’s impersonation of him on “Saturday Night Live” and about a cocktail named in his honor.

Zimmerman also put Fauci on the spot by asking Fauci – a Brooklyn, New York, native who has lived in the D.C. area for 50 years – if his favorite team was the Yankees or the Nationals.

“There’s no doubt about – I’m not saying [it] because I’m talking to you – I love the Nats,” Fauci said, smiling. “I love everybody on the Nats.”

Zimmerman also asked Fauci which Nationals pitcher he would start in a World Series Game 7, with Fauci selecting Max Scherzer.

Throughout the 20-minute interview, Zimmerman thanked Fauci for his dedication to the cause.

“This is something we’ve really never had to deal with, and to have a strong leader like you be able to inform us and give us everything we need to know from such a trusted doctor like yourself – I can’t tell you how much me and my family appreciate it and all the other Americans appreciate it,” Zimmerman said.

Being there for his community is something Zimmerman himself has made a habit of since his playing days.

Zimmerman has been committed to his ziMS Foundation that raises money for multiple sclerosis and he has been engaged in a number of different causes in the D.C. area that help kids.

A few weeks ago, Zimmerman and his wife launched the Pros For Heroes COVID-19 Relief Fund as a part of their efforts to give back to the frontline health professionals fighting the novel coronavirus.

Near the conclusion of Wednesday’s interview, Zimmerman invited Fauci to visit the Nationals’ clubhouse once the season resumes.

Zimmerman said he thinks the country would benefit from having live sports as an entertainment option during these unusual times.

“I don’t have much time left,” said the 35-year-old Zimmerman, who is entering his 16th season. “I enjoy every day of it. To be able to do that would be so much fun.”

You can watch the full interview here: