Former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Casey Sadler announced his retirement from baseball earlier this week on social media. Sadler, who pitched for the Dodgers in 2019, is retiring after a 14-year career.
Sadler announced that a significant reason for his retirement is a pitching business his wife started that he will continue to pursue in his retirement.
“I was drafted in 2010 and today I am officially announcing my retirement from baseball,” Sadler wrote on X. “This year has been a rollercoaster — from fearing I needed Tommy John surgery to discovering I was physically fine, only to realize my biggest hurdle was my own mind.
While working to get back on the mound, my wife started a small pitching lesson business and told me to show up. What I didn’t expect was how much those kids would change my life.”
He continued: “As I poured my knowledge into these young men, something shifted. The drive to play for myself began to fade, and my mental health improved. Teaching these kids was life-giving and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.”
“Though I’m stepping away from the game as a player, I’m stepping into a new chapter where I can give back to the sport that gave me so much. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey—I can’t wait to see where this next adventure takes us.”
In addition, Sadler’s post included “thank you” messages to his parents, coaches, fans, and agent.
The 34-year-old was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 25th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, and made his MLB debut in 2014. He did not appear for the Pirates in either of the 2016 and 2017 seasons after missing the 2016 campaign because of undergoing Tommy John surgery and spending the 2017 season in the minors. Sadler returned to the major leagues in 2018.
Sadler elected free agency following the 2018 season, and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the 2019 season. The Rays traded Sadler to the Dodgers in July of the 2019 season, and he went 4-0 with a 2.33 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 24 appearances with the Dodgers.
Sadler signed with the Chicago Cubs after the season, and had stints with the Cubs and Seattle Mariners afterward. He has not made a major league appearance since the 2021 season.
