YORK -- Former Atlantic League Player of Year Scott Grimes has retired from professional baseball and has accepted a coaching position with LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
Grimes was a star outfielder for the York Revolution and was named the Atlantic League's Co-Player of the Year in 2010, when he compiled one of the best statistical seasons in league history. He set a league record with 138 runs scored in just 132 games -- leading all of professional baseball that season in that category.
He also led the Revs to back-to-back league titles in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
"This is one of the biggest decisions of my life, to leave the game I've played since I was five years old," said Grimes, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, according to the Revolution's website. "I've wanted to get into the coaching world, but it's still one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I came to terms with it a little while ago but needed another little push, and to be able to go back to school and pursue my Masters at a prestigious school like LaSalle was another factor, and I want to take advantage of that."
Grimes is not listed as a member of LaSalle's coaching staff yet on the school's website, but a school official did confirm Grimes is now a member of the program.
Grimes is the York's franchise's all-time leader in games played (357), runs scored (298), at-bats (1,350), hits (374), extra-base hits (128), triples (13), total bases (605), stolen bases (69), and walks (205). He ranks second all-time in home runs (45), third in doubles (70), and fifth in RBI (155).
"I remember when I called him to play for us in 2010," recalled Revolution manager Mark Mason in a statement. "He said, 'I don't care about the money, I just want to prove to everyone that I can play.' Since then, he was the best player in the league and league MVP in 2010, and he's been the best center fielder in the league since he's been here. I will miss him but I'm very happy for him. Life decisions are very complicated, and he said he was in a good place mentally with his decision. I wish Scotty the best."
Born in Kennett Square, Pa., Grimes attended Kennett High School and also played at Keystone College. He signed a free agent contract with the New York Mets in 2009 and played only 27 games in Rookie and A-ball due to injury.
Some information used in this story is courtesy of the York Revolution.
