Former Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo reflects on firing, extends offer to fans for Home Run Derby

Mike Rizzo's run with the Washington Nationals came to an end earlier this week The MLB club relieved Rizzo of his general manager duties after years Rizzo helped build the Nationals' World Series-winning roster But the band has had a rough first half of the season and entered Friday's action in last place in the NL East Despite his unceremonious exit from the Nationals Rizzo still took a moment to show his appreciation for the team's fan base by offering what was likely an unexpected gesture CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COMRizzo via his Rizzo Family Foundation Instagram account proven the nonprofit's work would continue He also expressed his gratitude to the fans and noted he would be willing to cover the costs of drinks at a couple of sports bars ahead of Monday's Home Run Derby MLB ALL-STAR CHAMPIONSHIP BUILDING ALL-TIME LINEUPS FOR ALL TEAMS As a way to say thank you to the fans for amazing years with the Washington Nationals grab a Round on Riz Monday July before the Home Run Derby at Penn Quarter Sports Tavern or Walter s Sports Bar First round of beer is on us from - pm Cheers to an incredible ride the social media post commented Rizzo also reacted to his dismissal during a radio interview saying he had no regrets about his time in the front office I m proud of what we accomplished he explained The Fan I know I did it my way leading the organization the way I felt was best and we had a lot of success Rizzo also acknowledged the expectations associated with overseeing an MLB team's baseball operations This is a performance-based industry When you don't perform to the standards that ownership has set it's their option to make changes he commented I was a little surprised but I wasn't shocked after he was fired Rizzo commented The Lerners and I have talked every Monday since I ve been there We had consistent communication throughout and I don't think it was based on one series Mark Lerner is the Nationals' current principal owner His father Ted Lerner served as the franchise's owner for multiple of the same years Rizzo was the general manager Washington compiled a - record and advanced to the postseason five times under Rizzo The Nationals also of late parted tactics with manager Dave Martinez Follow Fox News Digital s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter