Gabe Gross retires from Baseball

If you will remember, Gabe Gross recently signed a tentative minor league contract with the Marlins, pending a physical. But after some thought he has decided that it is time to call it a career and retire from baseball.

"I just felt like my heart wasn’t into it," Gross said Monday. "This and quitting football are the two hardest decisions I’ve ever made."

Gross, a former Auburn University and Northview High baseball star, agreed late last week to sign a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins. He was scheduled to take a physical in Florida on Monday, but decided on Sunday after conversations with his wife, Kelly, the time had come to step away from the sport.

Naturally, we wish Mr. Gross all the best in whatever he decides to do going forward. But honestly, it was doubtful he was ever going to figure into the Marlins plans for this season.

A couple of interesting things about Gross:

Gross was a No. 1 draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001- the 15 th pick overall – and made his debut in the major leagues for the team in August of 2004.

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At Auburn, Gross was an All-SEC baseball performer who also became the starting quarterback on the football team as a freshman in 1998, but stepped away from football midway through his sophomore season to concentrate his efforts on baseball.

One thing to make a note of is that draft picks, even first rounders, don't always workout.

Also, I never knew he was once the quarterback of the Auburn Tigers/War Eagles/Plainsmen. Then again, I don't exactly follow the Tigers/War Eagles/Plainsmen.