Jayson Werth

Lore & Background

Jayson Werth arrived in Washington in 2011 as a high-profile free agent signing, bringing with him a championship pedigree from the Philadelphia Phillies. His seven-year, $126 million contract raised eyebrows, but Werth quickly justified the investment with his disciplined hitting, strong defense, and unwavering intensity. His iconic walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2012 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals is etched in Nationals lore—a 13-pitch at-bat that ended with a dramatic blast into the left-field bullpen, capping a comeback and sending the series back to St. Louis. That moment encapsulated Werth's grit and ability to rise to the occasion.

Werth's impact extended beyond the diamond. His shaggy beard and intense demeanor made him a cult hero in D.C., and he became a mentor to younger stars like Bryce Harper. He was a key figure in the Nationals' 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017 playoff runs, though the team never advanced past the NLDS during his tenure. Despite injuries that limited his later years, Werth's legacy as a fierce competitor and clubhouse leader remains strong. He retired after the 2018 season, but his number 28 is not officially retired by the Nationals, though it holds a special place in fan memory.

In Their Own Story

The October air crackled with tension as Jayson Werth dug into the batter's box at Nationals Park. Two outs, bottom of the ninth, Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS. The Cardinals' Lance Lynn delivered pitch after pitch—fastballs, sliders, curves—and Werth fouled them off, each swing a defiant roar. The count ran full, the crowd on its feet. On the 13th pitch, a 97-mph fastball, Werth connected, sending a soaring line drive that cleared the left-field wall. As he rounded the bases, his beard flowing, the stadium erupted. It was a moment of pure baseball magic, a testament to patience and will. That night, Werth didn't just win a game; he gave a city hope.

Reader's Guide

Jayson Werth played for the Washington Nationals from 2011 to 2017, a period when the team transitioned from rebuilding to contention. His playing style was defined by a patient, power-hitting approach at the plate, often leading the league in pitches per plate appearance. He was a disciplined hitter who drew walks and hit for both average and power, with a career .267 batting average and 160 home runs as a National. In the field, he was a reliable right fielder with a strong arm.

His greatest achievements include being named an All-Star in 2013 and 2014, and winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2014. His iconic 13-pitch walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS is considered one of the most memorable moments in Nationals history. Werth also earned a reputation as a clubhouse leader, mentoring younger players and setting a tone of relentless competitiveness. Off the field, he owned a vineyard in Oregon and became known for his eclectic style, from his flowing beard to his vintage car collection. Though injuries slowed him in later seasons, his presence in the lineup was always a threat, and his number 28 remains a beloved symbol of the Nationals' rise.

Did You Know?

• Werth's 13-pitch at-bat in Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS is one of the longest in postseason history.
• He was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1997 but did not sign.
• Werth is an avid winemaker, owning a vineyard in Oregon.
• He wore number 28 with the Nationals, a number that became iconic among fans.