Former Los Angeles Dodgers draft pick Sam McWilliams announced on social media he is stepping away from playing Minor League Baseball. McWilliams did not specify if he has officially retired or merely taking a hiatus from the sport.
“First and foremost, I want to start by thanking the Los Angeles Dodgers for giving a small town kid from Mississippi a chance to pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. The past 5 years have been incredible. There were many ups and downs throughout my career from winning a championship my first year to sharing a hotel room with six teammates,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This great game of baseball taught me more about life than I would’ve ever imagined. I will forever cherish the friendships I made along the way and will never regret the decision to play for the best organization in baseball. With that being said, I’ve decided to step away from the game and do what is best for me and my wife as for now. Thanks to everyone that has supported me along the way. I truly can’t thank y’all enough!”
McWilliams was selected by the Dodgers in the 19th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He debuted with the Arizona League Dodgers that year and in 2019 was promoted up to Double-A Tulsa. Though, the utilityman only appeared in one game for the Drillers.
I want to thank the Los Angeles Dodgers for giving a small town kid from Mississippi a chance to pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. With that being said, I’ve decided to step away from the game and do what is best for me and my wife as for now. #GoLA pic.twitter.com/9WR7vsXDJ8
— Sam McWilliams (@s_mcw2) March 25, 2022
After the 2020 Minor League season was canceled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Williams began last year on Opening Day roster for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga. He hit .304/.384/.524 with 32 doubles, 14 home runs and 70 RBI through 87 games and earned a September promotion to High-A Great Lakes.
That was only for five games, and Williams struggled in that brief time as he had just two hits in 14 at-bats with the Loons.
Fellow Dodgers draft pick retires
While Williams’ future is unclear, fellow Dodgers draft pick Matt Magill announced his retirement this past February.
Magill was picked by the Dodgers out of Royal High School in Simi Valley, Calif., in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB Draft. The right-hander went on to make his MLB debut with L.A. in 2013 and played professionally for 14 seasons.
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