Sean Doolittle, the accomplished reliever who spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, has officially announced his retirement from the sport, expressing profound gratitude and a full heart as he closes this chapter of his life.
In a heartfelt statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Doolittle shared his decision with fans and the baseball community, stating, "After 11 incredible seasons playing the sport I love, I can say with gratitude and a full heart that I am retiring from baseball."
Throughout his remarkable career, Sean Doolittle established himself as a solid late-inning reliever with an impressive track record. He amassed 112 saves and maintained a commendable 3.20 ERA, earning respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
Doolittle's baseball journey began when he was selected as a first-round pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2007. He made his MLB debut in 2012 and swiftly emerged as one of the league's most dependable relievers. His consistent excellence on the field earned him two All-Star selections in 2014 and 2018, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the world of baseball.
Doolittle expressed gratitude to the Oakland A's, where he spent the first five and a half years of his career. In particular, he acknowledged A's farm director Keith Liepmann and pitching coach Garvin Alston for their unwavering support during his recovery from injuries that threatened to derail his career.
Doolittle's journey continued when he was traded to the Washington Nationals in 2017. There, he assumed the role of the team's primary closer, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations. He notably recorded 20 or more saves in three consecutive seasons.
The pinnacle of Doolittle's career came in 2019 when he played a pivotal role in the Nationals' historic run to their first-ever World Series championship. During that thrilling seven-game series against the Houston Astros, he showcased his mastery of closing games, contributing significantly to the team's triumph.
Addressing Nationals fans, Doolittle expressed profound gratitude for their continuous support. He and his wife were warmly welcomed to Washington, D.C., and the city became their forever home. Doolittle shared, "The 2019 World Series title will always be the highlight of my career because we were able to share it with you."
