Baltimore Orioles First Basemen Chris Davis Announces Retirement
Chris Davis calls an official end to his 13-year career
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis announced his retirement from baseball last week. The 35-year-old was a top-tier hitter for the Orioles but his career declined from injuries forcing him to leave the field after a 13-year career.
The left-hand slugger came to the Orioles via a trade from the Texas Rangers in 2011. Davis never had hit over 21 homers in his stint with the Rangers, but he led the league with 53 (franchise record) and 47 home runs in 2013 and 2017 respectively. In 2016 he signed a seven-year contract worth a franchise record $161 M.
The Orioles became relevant in baseball for the first time in years behind Davis and made playoffs in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Keep in mind that was huge since the Orioles have only made the playoffs a total of 14 times in their 116-year history.
Davis underwent arthroscopic hip surgery back in may that sidelined him for all of 2021. 2020 was his last season appearance with Baltimore as he only played 16 games, recording 52 at-bats, six hits, one RBI, 17 strikeouts, and hitting a .115 average.
Baltimore Orioles official statement for Chris Davis said:
“We thank Chris for his 11 years of service to the club, to Orioles fans, and to the Baltimore community. Athletes have the power to change lives and better their communities, and Chris and his family have done just that. We admire their dedication to those most in need, with hundreds of hours of community work completed, millions of dollars donated, and countless other charitable efforts performed, often without fanfare.”
“For every inning played and home run hit, hour of service completed and amount donated, the Davis family has made an immeasurable impact on our city and on Orioles baseball. We send our best wishes to Chris, his wife Jill, and their daughters Ella, Evie, and Grace, each of whom will forever be part of our Orioles family.” – Baltimore Orioles
Davis ends his career with 295 home runs, 1,852 strikeouts, .223 batting average, and 11.7 Win Above Replacement in 13 seasons. He finished sixth all-time for home runs with the Baltimore Orioles franchise.
