Though he initially planned on extending his career last year, former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier ultimately decided against doing so and officially retired after spending the previous 12 MLB seasons with the organization.
In the wake of his decision to call it a career, the Dodgers honored him with an on-field ceremony at Dodger Stadium. The festivities included speeches from old teammates and a video tribute highlighting the most memorable moments of his stint in Los Angeles.
Since being recognized by the Dodgers last August, Ethier has been occasionally spotted catching up with some of his former teammates. He most recently visited the club prior to Monday’s opening contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
In addition to greeting some of his past teammates and coaches, Ethier took batting practice with the Dodgers before first pitch, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
There is no comeback in the works for Andre Ethier, #Dodgers just letting him have another chance during BP. pic.twitter.com/0RLp9o9jFc
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 4, 2019
Ethier participating in batting practice with the club was surely a nostalgic blast from the past. He didn’t miss a beat during the session, rocketing two hard-hit balls into right field.
Still just 37 years old, Ethier has been accepting of his premature retirement. Though, his one lasting wish would be to once again share the field with former teammate Matt Kemp, who recently signed a Minor League contract with the New York Mets.
Ethier, a mainstay on the Dodgers for over a decade, appeared in 1,455 regular season games with the club from 2006-17. He compiled a .285/.359/.463 slash line with 303 doubles, 34 triples, 162 home runs and 687 RBI over 5,425 plate appearances.
