Anthony Rendon

Lore & Background

Anthony Rendon arrived in Washington as a first-round draft pick in 2011, but it was his quiet, workmanlike approach that made him a fan favorite. Unlike flashy stars, Rendon let his bat and glove do the talking, earning the nickname 'Tony Two Bags' for his doubles power. He developed into a perennial MVP candidate, known for his patience at the plate and elite defense at the hot corner.

Rendon's defining moment came in the 2019 postseason, where he was a relentless force. In the National League Division Series against the Dodgers, he hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning of Game 5, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback. In the World Series, he batted .412 with three home runs, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.

Beyond the stats, Rendon embodied the Nationals' ethos of resilience and professionalism. He rarely sought the spotlight, preferring to let his performance speak. His departure in free agency after 2019 marked the end of an era, but his impact on the franchise—and its first championship—remains indelible.

In Their Own Story

The October air was crisp, the crowd a nervous hum. In the dugout, Anthony Rendon adjusted his batting gloves, his face a mask of calm. The Dodgers had just taken the lead, and the season teetered on the edge. He stepped into the box, the weight of a city on his shoulders. The pitch came, a 3-2 fastball up in the zone—he turned on it, the crack of the bat a thunderclap that silenced the Los Angeles crowd. The ball sailed into the left-field seats, tying the game. As he rounded the bases, his expression never changed—no fist pump, no roar. Later, in the clubhouse, he would simply say, 'Just trying to get a good pitch to hit.' That was Rendon: quiet, deadly, and forever a National.

Reader's Guide

**Era at the Club**: 2013–2019. Rendon was a cornerstone of the Nationals' most successful period, including four NL East titles and the 2019 World Series championship.

**Playing Style**: A disciplined right-handed hitter with a high walk rate and gap power, Rendon was a doubles machine. Defensively, he was smooth and reliable at third base, with a strong arm and quick reflexes.

**Greatest Achievements**: 2019 World Series champion; 2019 Silver Slugger; 2017 All-Star; top-10 MVP finishes in 2017, 2018, and 2019; led the NL in doubles in 2018.

**Legacy**: Rendon is remembered as the consummate professional—a player who elevated his game when it mattered most. His 2019 postseason ranks among the best in franchise history, and his number is not retired but his impact is legendary.

Did You Know?

• Rendon was a two-time All-American at Rice University before being drafted by the Nationals.
• He hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series to force a decisive Game 7.
• Rendon's 2019 season included a .319 batting average with 34 home runs and 126 RBIs.
• He is one of only a few players in MLB history to have multiple 40-double seasons.
• Rendon once played an entire season with a partially torn quadriceps, never complaining or missing time, hitting .287 with 20 homers.