Cecil Native Chris Sidick Retires from Baseball

After seven seasons with the Washington Wild Things outfielder Chris Sidick has decided to retire from baseball to focus on his C-Side Sports Academy and other interests, according to the team's website.

“This was a tough decision,” Sidick said. “It took me the entire winter to come up with the answer. I talked with many people that are or had been involved with the Wild Things’ organization. I talked to the Frontier League and even our bus driver, trying to get advice.

“I am excited to continue to be involved with the Wild Things. They are a huge part of my past and what defines me.”

Sidick, a native and Canon-McMillan High School graduate, finishes his Wild Things’ career with a lifetime .285 batting average, and team-records that include 588 games, 2,667 plate appearances, 414 runs, 635 hits, 56 triples, 328 walks and 166 stolen bases.

In 2012, Sidick played in 91 games with 100 hits, 15 doubles, seven triples and nine home runs. He hit .287, had an on-base percentage of .365 and stole 21 bases.

“Chris has been a constant for the Washington Wild Things’ organization and baseball team,” said Stuart Williams, the team’s owner. “We are sorry to see Chris retire. He has been an outstanding player for us and a record-setter. We wish him the very best in his business ventures and in his life.”

Sidick registered 118 hits hit in both the 2006 and 2008 seasons. In 2008, Sidick had career highs in doubles (16) and RBI (45).

He had a career fielding percentage of .973, primarily as an outfielder for Washington. He played every position during the 2010 season.

“What I take away from this experience is that the Frontier League is the most-organized professional baseball league I ever played in," Sidick said. "Every game counted. I had an opportunity to work with great coaches and play with, and against, great players.”

Sidick’s 16 triples in 2006 is a Frontier League single-season record. He holds several league career records, including runs, total bases, games, at bats, hits, triples and walks. After the 2006 season, Baseball America recognized Sidick as one of the top prospects in independent baseball.

He was a member of the 2010 Eastern Division All-Star team and played all nine positions for Washington Sept. 1 that season at Lake Erie.

Sidick played collegiately at Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio, from 2001-2005. He played in three College World Series while at Marietta.

In addition to his C-Side Sports Academy in North Strabane, Sidick is co-owner of Sunkissed by Liss, a spray tanning company.

Sidick, who will turn 29 later this month, was honored in August at Consol Energy Park by the organization .

The Wild Things will open their 11^th season at CONSOL Energy Park on Tuesday, May 22. Tickets are available at the box office.