The post Nicky Delmonico formally announces retirement from professional baseball appeared first on Sox On 35th.
A former White Sox outfielder turned minor-league coach is calling it a career.
Nicky Delmonico announced on Monday afternoon that he is officially retiring from professional baseball. He most recently served as a hitting coach in the White Sox organization for the Double-A Barons.
In an Instagram post, Delmonico wrote the following:
“After 14 years of professional baseball, I’m deciding to hang it up. I’m ready to start the next chapter in my life. Being the best dad to my little girl. It’s been a hell of a ride! So blessed and thankful that God gave me this opportunity. Thank you to all my friends and family for always being there for me. To my teammates and coaches that have taught me so much about this game and in life. Thank you to the Orioles, Brewers, and Reds for giving me an opportunity. And most importantly to the White Sox family and fan base. Thank you for the best 10 years of my life and making my big league dream come true.”
Delmonico, 33, began his path to the Major Leagues when the Orioles selected him out of high school in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. The outfielder would spend several seasons in the minors with Baltimore and later Milwaukee after a trade, though he notably stepped away from the game after a positive drug test in July 2014.
Despite his initial decision, Delmonico signed a minor league deal with the White Sox in February 2015 and resurrected his career. He worked his way up through the organization, beginning with the Low-A Kannapolis Intimidators, and eventually made his MLB debut on August 1, 2017. Delmonico became a folk hero of sorts, slashing .262/.373/.482 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in the 43 games he appeared.
Over parts of four seasons (2017–2020), Delmonico played in 158 Major League games exclusively with the White Sox. He slashed .224/.312/.384 in that span with 18 home runs and 57 RBI. In 2020, he appeared in just six games, hitting .150, before being designated for assignment. Delmonico signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, but he was released midseason to end his playing career.
Delmonico remained in the game and transitioned into coaching within the White Sox organization. In February 2022, he was named hitting coach for the High-A Winston-Salem Dash. By 2024, he had been elevated to the Double-A Birmingham Barons to serve in the same role. The affiliate would go on to win back-to-back Southern League championship titles, ending his career on the highest of notes.
Our entire team at Sox on 35th would like to wish Nicky well in his next chapter.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more White Sox news and updates.
Featured Photo: Chicago White Sox
The post Nicky Delmonico formally announces retirement from professional baseball appeared first on Sox On 35th.