In partnership with
Stephen Strasburg
Photo via San Diego State
Washington Nationals fans know firsthand just how legendary Stephen Strasburg’s baseball career has been. From the moment he burst onto the scene with an MLB debut at Nationals Park—kickstarting what became the beloved “Strasmas” tradition in D.C.—to his unforgettable performance as 2019 World Series MVP, Strasburg’s impact is woven into the fabric of Nationals history. Now, he’s stepping into a new role close to his roots, returning to his alma mater San Diego State as special assistant to the head coach.
Building the Foundation in D.C.
Strasburg arrived in Washington in 2010 as the most-hyped pitching prospect in a generation—then exceeded expectations. In his first game, 14 strikeouts against the Pirates set a standard that made Nats fans dream big, and his dominance carried the team through a decade of defining moments. For local fans, Strasburg changed the culture around Nationals baseball, bringing national spotlight and making October baseball a regular feature in D.C.
Stephen Strasburg is arguably the best pitcher in college baseball history, but what makes this announcement so special is how much he cares about this program, this city, and giving back to the game…
His postseason run in 2019 is legendary—five wins and a 1.98 ERA, powered by a bulldog mentality that carried the Nats all the way to their first World Series title. Strasburg delivered clutch performance after clutch performance, culminating with World Series MVP honors and a parade down Constitution.
Moving Into Mentorship
While Strasburg’s career on the mound ended sooner than some hoped, his decision to shape the next generation is a reflection of his deep respect for baseball and his roots. Nationals fans will immediately recognize the same thoughtful, meticulous approach that made Strasburg an ace—now channeled into mentoring college athletes at San Diego State. As a special assistant, he’ll be working with Aztecs’ pitchers and building a championship culture, much like the one he helped inspire in D.C.
“Stephen Strasburg is arguably the best pitcher in college baseball history, but what makes this announcement so special is how much he cares about this program, this city, and giving back to the game,” said Aztec head coach Kevin Vance. “He’s a proud Aztec and San Diegan, and he’s never forgotten his roots.”
“Stephen didn't arrive on The Mesa as the individual we know today; he earned it through hard work, competing in a great culture and program built by Tony Gwynn. He wants to help give our players the same opportunity and environment to grow. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back home to SDSU baseball.”
A Proud Nationals Legacy Continues
What does this mean for Nationals faithful? Strasburg remains a proud representative of D.C. wherever he goes. San Diego State baseball just inherited a mentor whose lessons—about resilience, competition, and thriving under pressure—were forged under the lights of Nationals Park and on the biggest stages in baseball.
Nats fans can take heart knowing that Strasburg’s championship pedigree and Nationals DNA will be woven into the next generation of Aztecs. From “Strasmas” to the World Series, and now back to San Diego State, the story of Stephen Strasburg remains, at its heart, a Nationals.