On December 7, 2025, former major-league infielder Jake Lamb quietly ended his playing days — with the news confirmed by longtime friend and teammate Archie Bradley on social media. “[…] Lambo – From double hot tubing in Visalia, to roommates in the league … We stood in each other’s weddings, and now stand by each other in retirement!” Bradley wrote, adding “My best friend and brother … all-time teammate and the one who always kept things real and in perspective for us! … Congrats on a hell of a career.”
Lamb’s time in the spotlight with the Los Angeles Dodgers was brief but memorable. He joined L.A. late in his career on a minor-league deal, ultimately appearing in 25 games during the 2022 season. Across 67 at-bats, he slashed .239 with a .771 OPS, belted two home runs, and drove in four runs — stats modest, yet emblematic of a journeyman who weathered the grind of professional baseball.
Before donning Dodger blue, Lamb’s major-league journey spanned several clubs, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels. In 2023, the Angels carried him to Opening Day — but his playing time dwindled, and after sporadic appearances followed by designations and minor league contracts with other organizations, Lamb decided it was time to step away from the diamond.
While Lamb never became a household name, his career garnered respect and affection from teammates, coaches, and those who saw him grind through years of trades, minor-league assignments, and the uncertainty many players face. Bradley’s tribute — referencing shared memories, weddings, locker-room life — reveals just how much Lamb meant to those around him, far beyond the stat sheets.
For fans, his retirement marks the end of an understated but real baseball journey — one not defined by All-Star selections or MVP trophies, but by perseverance and solidarity. As one former teammate wrote after Bradley’s post: “One of the good guys in baseball … Helluva career my guy. Great to go to battle with you Lamb.”
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain whether Lamb will stay connected to the game — perhaps via coaching, mentorship, or supporting younger players embarking on their own uncertain paths. But one thing’s clear: as he steps away, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, friendship, and the often-unseen grit required to stay in baseball’s grind.
Leave a Reply