- The Washington Times - Sunday, May 8, 2022

Nationals outfielder Gerardo Parra is retiring from playing and will join the team’s front office, according to a report from MASN’s Dan Kolko.

Parra, a member of the 2019 World Series team, was a fan favorite for his “Baby Shark” walk-up song. The popular kids song endeared him to the fan base just as much as his .250 batting average and eight homers in 2019 after the Nationals acquired him from the Giants. 

Kolko said on the Nationals’ game broadcast Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels that Parra will be a special assistant in the front office. 

Parra, who turned 35 on Friday, played 12 years in the majors as an outfielder with the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Brewers, Giants, Orioles and Nationals. He ends his career with a .275 batting average, 1,335 hits and 90 home runs. 

He first came to the District during a 2019 midseason trade from San Francisco. After not playing in 2020, he spent his last season in baseball with Washington last year, hitting .237 in 53 games.

Parra was one of several familiar faces general manager Mike Rizzo brought back during spring training, including reliever Sean Doolittle and starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez. 

• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.

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