Eric Hosmer retires, announces launch of MoonBall Media

Field Level Media|published: Wed 21st February, 13:13 2024

Apr 19, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Eric Hosmer (51) hits a home run against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. credits: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hosmer officially ended his 13-season MLB career on Wednesday and announced the launch of his new media company, MoonBall Media.

Hosmer, who won a World Series title with the Kansas City Royals in 2015, told Forbes his new business venture will include "original unscripted programming, a weekly podcast, social media content and upcoming FAST (free, ad-supported streaming television) channels."

The "Diggin' Deep" podcast will feature Hosmer, former major league reliever Peter Moylan and Justin Su'a, a process and development coach in Bradenton, Fla. It will be produced by former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli, who also played in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.

"We've always talked about doing something, especially after my (playing days) are over," Hosmer said of partnering with Seratelli. "He's had his feet on the ground for 10-plus years on this side of the business. Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back, especially these last couple of years of my career when I got to experience the big-time markets, being in Chicago, being in Boston. I think this podcast is something where I can really have enjoyment and dig deep into other people's processes and how that helped them succeed."

Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs in May. That decision allowed Hosmer to take a step back and examine his options.

"I just didn't know if my body was ready for all that, didn't know mentally if I was ready to go back," Hosmer said, per the Kansas City Star. "And if you're not ready at 110 percent to compete in this league, then it's not going to work out. These roster spots are so valuable and I really do understand the value of a roster spot in the big leagues.

"So it's something that I've thought well and long about, had a lot of discussions with (Kacie, his wife) and my family about, and ultimately decided that this is the best route for me to take and I'm still going to be involved in the game and covering the game. So I'm just excited for this new chapter."

An All-Star in 2016 as well as a four-time Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger Award recipient, Hosmer batted .276 with 198 homers and 893 RBIs in 1,689 career games with the Royals (2011-17), San Diego Padres (2018-22), Boston Red Sox (2022) and Cubs (2023). He was the third overall pick of the 2008 MLB Draft.

—Field Level Media