Sports

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis retires

BALTIMORE, MD—Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis on Friday announced his retirement from baseball.

Davis missed all of the 2021 season due to an injury.

The Orioles organization has issued the following statement:

“The Orioles support Chris Davis as he retires from baseball today. 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.”

Davis joined the Orioles organization after being acquired from the Texas Rangers on July 30, 2011. He was an integral part of a five-year stretch that led to three playoff appearances for the Orioles, including the club’s ninth American League East division title, two American League Wild Card appearances, and the most wins in the American League from 2012-16.

During his tenure in Birdland, he appeared in 1,151 games for the O’s, connected on 253 home runs, was named an All-Star starter, Silver Slugger Award winner, three-time Roberto Clemente nominee, and finished in the top three of MVP voting. He ranks in the top 15 in Orioles history in home runs (253 – 7th), walks (491 – 10th), RBI (656 – 11th), extra-base hits (433 – 12th), runs scored (592 – 14th), and games played (1,151 – 15th). His 142 home runs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards are the second-most in the ballpark’s history, while his 11 Eutaw Street home runs top all players.

Davis had one year left on his 7-year, $161 million contract that was, at the time, the largest deal in Orioles history.  He played his final game for the O’s on September 11, 2020.

Photo via MLB.com

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