Congratulations Ross on an Incredible Career—Thank You for Everything You Did in Dodger Blue and Enjoy Retirement Ahead!

Ross Stripling’s name will always carry meaning among Dodgers fans, not just for his performances on the mound, but for the steady, professional, and intelligent presence he brought to the clubhouse, the field, and the city of Los Angeles. As he now steps away from the game, it’s time to reflect on what made Ross such a beloved part of the Dodgers family and why his retirement marks the end of a memorable chapter in the franchise’s history.

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Dodgers out of Texas A&M, Stripling wasn’t the highest-touted prospect or the flashiest pitcher. But he was dependable, effective, and intelligent—a former finance student who would later become known as much for his sharp mind and articulate commentary as for his reliable arm. From the moment he arrived in the majors, it was clear Ross Stripling was a player who not only belonged, but could contribute in a number of important ways.

His debut came in April 2016, and it was as dramatic and memorable as they come. Stripling carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his very first major league game. That alone etched his name into Dodgers lore. Though he was ultimately removed after reaching his pitch limit, the performance showed both his potential and his poise. It was a tone-setter, and it signaled that Stripling was someone who could be trusted to handle big moments with grace.

Over five seasons with the Dodgers, Stripling carved out a role that was always evolving. He filled in as a starter, shifted to the bullpen when needed, and often acted as a swingman—stepping into any role the club required, no questions asked. His unselfishness and team-first mentality quickly earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. In an era when players often prioritize individual accolades and rigid roles, Stripling was a breath of fresh air—a consummate professional who just wanted to help the Dodgers win.

In 2018, he earned an All-Star selection, the crowning individual achievement of his Dodgers career. It was a well-deserved honor that acknowledged not just his performance on the field but also his importance to the team. That season, Stripling posted a 3.02 ERA with 135 strikeouts in 122 innings. He was efficient, sharp, and tough to square up—everything you’d want in a pitcher expected to toe the line between rotation and relief duties.

Beyond the stats, Stripling’s presence extended to the clubhouse and community. Always approachable, thoughtful, and well-spoken, he became a fan favorite in Los Angeles. His willingness to connect with fans, talk openly about his career, and even share his investment and finance advice in off-field ventures showed the kind of multi-dimensional personality he possessed. Stripling wasn’t just a ballplayer—he was a genuinely interesting and likable person who people rooted for on and off the field.

One of the most memorable aspects of Stripling’s time in L.A. was his friendship and chemistry with teammates like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Alex Wood. Though he was never the ace of the staff, he was an invaluable glue guy, someone who kept morale high, contributed important innings, and helped younger pitchers adjust to life in the big leagues. His background and education made him a mentor for more than just baseball advice. Younger players looked to him for guidance in navigating life as a professional athlete.

In 2020, the Dodgers traded Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays in a move that left many fans with mixed emotions. While it was a necessary transaction in the context of roster management and competitive balance, it was difficult to see a player so closely tied to the Dodgers’ rise to consistent contender status move on. His absence was felt—not just statistically, but emotionally, too. Stripling’s time with the Dodgers had helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become a World Series-winning team that same year.

Even after his departure, Stripling continued to speak highly of the Dodgers organization and his time in Los Angeles. It was clear that the connection between player and club remained strong. His final years in the league, spent with Toronto, San Francisco, and Oakland, showed that he still had plenty to offer. But as he now steps away from playing, the place where his professional journey truly took off—Dodger Stadium—will always be where he’s most remembered.

There’s a lot to appreciate when looking back at Ross Stripling’s career. He finishes with a 38-43 record, a career ERA of 3.96, and nearly 700 innings pitched. Those numbers, while modest on the surface, only tell part of the story. He was never the staff ace, never the closer, never the guy who led headlines day after day—but he was someone managers trusted in every situation, someone who could be counted on to deliver a quality outing or valuable relief appearance when needed most.

It’s also worth noting Stripling’s contribution to the conversation around analytics in baseball. He embraced the modern tools of the trade, used data to make himself better, and shared that information freely with teammates. His intelligence and openness became a competitive advantage for every team he played for. And in an era where many pitchers might have been reluctant to dive into the numbers, Stripling became one of the faces of baseball’s new wave of thinker-players—guys who not only played, but understood the game on a deeper level.

Retirement will no doubt open new doors for Ross Stripling. Whether he chooses to go into broadcasting, front-office work, business, or something entirely unrelated to baseball, he has the personality, intellect, and work ethic to succeed. Many fans would love to see him in the broadcast booth, breaking down games with the same clarity and insight he brought as a player. Others could imagine him helping shape rosters in a front office role. Whatever he decides, there’s little doubt he will approach it with the same quiet confidence and humility that defined his time in the big leagues.

As the Dodgers family says goodbye to one of its most dependable arms and respected personalities, there’s a mix of gratitude and nostalgia in the air. Stripling may not have had the flashiest stats or the loudest presence, but he embodied so many of the values that make a great ballplayer: intelligence, unselfishness, competitiveness, and class. Those qualities leave a lasting impact.

So today, we raise a cap and say congratulations, Ross Stripling, on a career well-played and well-lived. Thank you for every inning, every pitch, every thoughtful interview, and every moment you spent helping make the Dodgers better. Your time in Dodger Blue was deeply appreciated, and it will not be forgotten.

Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned it.