Former Dodger Mark Ellis Retires

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Veteran infielder and former Dodger Mark Ellis has decided to hang up his cleats. The 37-year old infielder has called it quits, or so he recently told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Ellis played the majority of his 12-year career with Oakland. He played with the A’s from 2002-2011, before he was traded to the Rockies. After spending a half season in Colorado, the right handed hitter signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers in 2012. He was the starting second baseman for the Dodgers for two consecutive seasons from 2012-2013, and was the starter during the 2013 playoff run.

Ellis was a solid contributor at second base for the Dodgers during those two seasons. Best known as a contact hitter, and solid defender he was not a flashy player. Ellis played in 110 games in 2012 with the Dodgers, and 126 games in 2013. In his first season with the Dodgers, he batted .258 with seven home runs, and a .697 OPS in 464 plate appearances.

In 2013 Ellis batted .270, hit six home runs, drove in 48 runs, and posted a .674 OPS in 480 plate appearances while also contributing steady defense at second base. Ellis also saw a lot of playing time in the playoffs. He was a .253 postseason hitter, playing in 22 postseason games. The veteran is best remembered for being thrown out at the plate on a fly ball by Carlos Beltran (Tagged out by Yadier Molina in annoying fashion) in game 1 of the 2013 NLCS. Ellis was never known for his base running acumen. He then signed with the Cardinals after the 2013 season. 

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  • Ellis battled numerous leg injuries during his tenure with the Dodgers. His last season with the Cardinals, saw him spending most of his time on the disabled list because of an oblique injury. Ellis batted just .180 in 202 plate appearances for the Cardinals in 2014. He played in just 73 games last year.

    Ellis finishes his career with 1,343 hits, and 1,425 games played. He batted .262 with a .327 OBP, and hit 105 Major League home runs. Ellis has said he would like to spend more time with his family, but would also like to return to the game in a different capacity.