Baltimore Orioles Prospect Drew Dosch Announces His Retirement

Baltimore Orioles’ infield prospect Drew Dosch announced his retirement from professional baseball on Thursday

Baltimore Orioles‘ General Manager Mike Elias is currently assembling his front office, and is working with manager Brandon Hyde to assemble the team’s coaching staff. Eventually the focus will shift to the roster and the product on the field and as pieces fall into place, the Minor League rosters will form as well. On Thursday, one piece was removed from the puzzle when infield prospect Drew Dosch announced his retirement from professional baseball. The announcement was made via social media.

The news caught me completely by surprise; not because I didn’t think it was possible, but more-so because I anticipated changes to come during and after Spring Training. I thought that Dosch could have possibly found his way to the hot corner in Baltimore, even if was just as a place holder for another prospect such as Ryan Mountcastle.

Dosch was drafted by the Orioles in the seventh round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Youngstown State University. During a career that spanned five years, Dosch made stops at all four of the Orioles’ full-season affiliates (Delmarva, Frederick, Bowie and Norfolk).

His most recent season (2018) was spent in Norfolk (AAA), where in 103 games, Dosch produced a .276/.340/.408 slash line with 44 runs scored, 7 home runs and 40 RBI. Defensively, Dosch committed a total of 12 errors playing both first base and third base for the Tides.

Dosch finishes his professional career with a slash line of .278/.337/.398 and a .932 fielding percentage. He was honored as an All-Star for the South Atlantic League (2014), the Carolina League (2015) and the International League (2018).

In his time with the Orioles, Dosch brought a consistent effort that produced solid results. He could always be counted on to make the steady play and was a reliable part of every team he played for. He was able to make the spectacular play as well.

Dosch recently celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary with his wife Carly.

News like Dosch’s retirement reminds us as fans that these young men are not robots; they are people just like us who have hopes and dreams, and who have a life outside baseball. Though they’re professional athletes, there is much more to life than their profession.

I wish Dosch well as he continues his life’s journey, and hope for many years of love and happiness for both he and Carly. Drew, thank you for all you did on the baseball field, and all the best as you pursue new endeavors.