Ian Desmond is one of my favorite Nationals players.

If I made that statement to my 2010-11 self, I would probably get laughter in return.  Back then,  I couldn’t imagine Desmond as a part of a winning Nats team.  I said all the time that he had to go.  REALLY had to go.

But the past two seasons he has been nothing short of great, catapulting into the upper echelon of Major League shortstops and winning the hearts of baseball fans in Washington.  After missing out in the final fan voting for the All-Star Game, he captured that change on Twitter, showing just how aware athletes can be of their relationship with fans.

Our fan-player relationship has come a long way over the last few years. I really appreciate you guys going all out for me. Thank You
— Ian Desmond (@IanDesmond20) July 11, 2013

He’s one of those guys you know every baseball fan would love if he were on their team.  He plays hard all the time, really cares about doing things the right way and does great things off the field.  His team photo for this season features not short of an epic mustache.  Oh and this week he shaved his goatee during the game.

So, 2010-11 Chris, I wish you had more foresight and could have been in on the Ian Desmond ground floor, but I’m glad we’re all where we are now.  It’s a far better place.