Nationals: Brian Dozier’s place in Washington baseball lore

Signed as a minor league free agent and released by two different teams before the season was over, not exactly how Brian Dozier would want to go out. Who cares? Dozier has retired from the game of baseball and leaves with a ring on his finger, that’s what matters.

After nine years in the league, with an All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award in his back pocket, Brian Dozier has decided to walk away from the game of baseball. Oh yeah, and he is a World Champion. Dozier was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and spent six and a half seasons with them before moving onto the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Nationals, before appearing with the New York Mets last year.

As Brian Dozier retires from baseball, where does his one season with the Nationals fit in the history of the franchise?

When Brian Dozier was signed by the Nationals some would say he was the second option. The team was hoping to land D.J.LeMahieu in free agency, though he chose the New York Yankees instead. A consolation prize. At $9M. That was the first impression we had of Dozier.

HIs stay on the Nationals would last less than a calendar year, just nine months, one baseball season. As the starting second baseman for the majority of the year, his contributions were meager. By the time the team had made the postseason, Dozier had lost his job to the hot hitting Asdrubal Cabrera, a late season pickup.

Through four rounds of the playoffs, Dozier was hitless in six at-bats. His only plate appearance in the World Series, a pinch-hit, walk, in Game 4.

Brian Dozier won’t appear on any all-time lists for the Nationals, nor will he be on any single season leader boards in team history. He will be remembered. For his smile. For his laugh. For his risqué dugout dances. For his shirtless celebrations in the locker-room following postseason series wins. For his singing of the song Calma, and learning Spanish to better communicate with his Latin teammates.

Brian Dozier left Washington with a ring on his finger, and he’ll leave baseball the way the league wants it to be known for. By having fun. Best of luck in your future endeavors, Doz.