WHEREAS, Jayson Richard Gowan Werth, an illustrious former member of the Washington Nationals baseball team and a leader in the McLean community, who has made many contributions to charitable causes and youth athletics, retired as a professional baseball player in 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Springfield, Illinois, Jayson Werth was a football and baseball player at Illinois State University and was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 1997 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft; and

WHEREAS, Jayson Werth made his MLB debut for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 and subsequently played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies; in 2010, he signed a seven-year contract with the Washington Nationals and played a pivotal role in the team's ascendancy as a powerhouse in the National League East; and

WHEREAS, known at the time for his trademark long hair and shaggy beard, Jayson Werth's appearance belied a commitment to professionalism both on and off the field; he supported his teammates by changing the culture of the organization, making recommendations on everything from the food in the club house to the quality of training equipment; and

WHEREAS, Jayson Werth motivated his teammates to achieve their fullest potential and worked with the organization to expand medical and auxiliary staff, such as practice pitchers and bullpen catchers; his efforts paid off, with the Washington Nationals winning four division titles during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Jayson Werth played his final game for the Washington Nationals on October 1, 2017; after his retirement, his name was promptly added to the team's Ring of Honor at Nationals Park in September 2018; and

WHEREAS, Jayson Werth is an active member of the McLean community and has made appearances in support of local men's baseball leagues and youth leagues, as well as promoting important charitable causes; and

WHEREAS, Jayson Werth intends to spend more time with his beloved family and seek new opportunities to serve the community, especially as an athletics coach for his children and other local young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Jayson Richard Gowan Werth hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement as a professional baseball player in 2018; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jayson Richard Gowan Werth as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his exceptional contributions to the Washington Nationals and the McLean community.