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Dodgers Video: Andre Ethier Takes Batting Practice At Chase Field Prior To Series Opener Against Diamondbacks

Matt Borelli
2 Min Read
John McCoy-Southern California News Group

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:

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.

Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.