Former Auburn baseball star Sonny DiChiara announces retirement from baseball

Sonny DiChiara is stepping away from baseball. The former Auburn slugger announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday in a heartfelt post to X.

“Thank you baseball,” DiChiara wrote. “Officially putting the game behind me as I move forward into my next path in life. So many people to thank for getting me to where I made it today. Not sad it is over, just blessed that it even happened.”

Thank you baseball. Officially putting the game behind me as I move forward into my next path in life. So many people to thank for getting me to where I made it today. Not sad it is over, just blessed that it even happened❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZcEIZilprs

— Sonny DiChiara (@SonnyDichiara) July 2, 2025

DiChiara had spent the past four years in the minor leagues after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. Most of his time came with the team’s Double A affiliate, the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

He played 145 games for the Trash Pandas across three seasons and put up a batting average of .198 with 13 home runs and 59 RBI. However, the team released him around a month ago, which may have prompted his decision to retire. DiChiara also played for the Inland Empire 66ers, Tri-City Dust Devils and Salt Lake Bees.

Sonny DiChiara played just one season at Auburn after beginning his college career at Samford, but it was a memorable one. He was named SEC Player of the Year and first team All-American after batting .383 with 22 home runs and 59 RBI.

Auburn advanced to the College World Series in large part of DiChiara’s performance. Although his time with the Tigers was short, he quickly became a fan favorite and still holds a special place in their hearts. Centerfielder Kason Howell said it best when speaking on DiChiara’s impact during the 2022 season.

“I heard nothing but good things from everybody that knew him,” Howell said. “He’s been a great locker room presence, the fan base loves him, and his professionalism that he goes about at practice is great — it’s infectious. It’s helped our team become stronger.”

It’s unclear what’s next for DiChiara, but he already has one other venture. He has appeared a few times on The Barn podcast to discuss Auburn baseball. Perhaps that can be an avenue for him to pivot into a media career where he can offer his insights on the game he loves. Whatever he does, though, Tigers fans will be rooting for his success.