Mark Appel is a former baseball player who was once one of the most promising prospects in the sport. However, despite being selected with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, Appel’s career did not go as expected.
After struggling with injuries and performance issues, he retired from baseball in 2018. However, after a few years away from the game, Appel returned to baseball in 2021, joining the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor-league system.
This article will explore the reasons why Mark Appel retired from baseball, including his struggles with mental health and a shoulder injury that required surgery.
We will also examine his decision to return to baseball and what he has accomplished since then. Through Appel’s story, we can learn about the highs and lows of professional sports and the importance of mental and physical well-being for athletes.
Mark Appel’s Baseball Career
Mark Appel’s journey in baseball began in high school, where he was a standout pitcher in Houston, Texas. He was recruited to play college baseball at Stanford University, where he had a successful career as a starting pitcher.
In his junior year, Appel was considered one of the best prospects in the country, and he was projected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming MLB draft.
In the 2012 draft, Appel was selected eighth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he chose to return to Stanford for his senior year. In the 2013 draft, Appel was selected first overall by the Houston Astros, making him one of the highest-drafted pitchers in MLB history.
Expectations for Appel were sky-high, and he was considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. However, his journey to the major leagues was not as smooth as many had anticipated.
Appel struggled in the minor leagues, posting a 5.06 ERA in 2014 and a 4.48 ERA in 2015. Despite these struggles, he was still viewed as a top prospect and was expected to make his MLB debut soon.
However, Appel’s progress was derailed by a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2016. He missed the entire season and struggled to regain his form upon his return. In 2017, Appel posted a 5.14 ERA in 17 starts and was ultimately demoted to Double-A. The following year, he retired from baseball at the age of 26.
Despite never making it to the major leagues, Appel’s baseball career was still impressive. He was a two-time All-American at Stanford and was widely regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball for several years.
While his journey did not end as many had hoped, Appel’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the challenges that athletes face on their path to success.
Appel’s Injury and Struggles With Mental Health
Mark Appel’s career was derailed by a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2016. The injury, which was to his throwing shoulder, was a significant setback for Appel, who had been struggling to find his form in the minor leagues.
The surgery required a lengthy rehabilitation process, during which Appel had to rebuild his strength and endurance.
Unfortunately, the injury had lasting effects on Appel’s performance and confidence. He struggled to regain his form upon his return to baseball, posting a 5.14 ERA in 17 starts in 2017. Appel was ultimately demoted to Double-A and faced an uncertain future in the sport.
In addition to his physical struggles, Appel also battled with mental health issues, including depression. In interviews since his retirement, he has spoken candidly about his battle with depression, which contributed to his decision to step away from the game in 2018.
Appel has described the pressures and expectations that came with being a top prospect and the toll that it took on his mental health.
He has spoken about feeling lost and uncertain about his future, as well as the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.
Ultimately, the combination of his injury and mental health struggles made it difficult for Appel to continue playing baseball at a high level.
While it was a difficult decision to retire, he has spoken about the relief he felt in being able to prioritize his mental and physical health.
Appel’s Retirement
Mark Appel retired from baseball in 2018 at the age of 26. He announced his decision to step away from the sport in a statement released by the Philadelphia Phillies, his then-current team.
In the statement, Appel cited a desire to “pursue other interests” and to spend more time with his family as reasons for his retirement. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play baseball and thanked the Phillies organization and his teammates for their support.
However, in later interviews, Appel spoke more candidly about the reasons behind his retirement. He revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues, including depression, and that his injury had made it difficult for him to continue playing baseball at a high level. He also spoke about feeling lost and uncertain about his future in the sport.
Despite the challenges he faced, Appel remained optimistic about the future and expressed a desire to help other athletes who were struggling with mental health issues.
He remained involved in baseball, serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the Stanford University baseball team.
Appel’s retirement was a reminder of the challenges that athletes face both on and off the field. It also highlighted the importance of mental and physical well-being for athletes, and the need for greater support and resources to help them navigate the pressures and expectations of professional sports.
Appel’s Return to Baseball
After three years away from baseball, Mark Appel made a surprise return to the sport in 2021, signing a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, the same team that had drafted him in 2013.
His decision to return was motivated by a renewed passion for the game and a desire to prove to himself that he could still compete at a high level.
In interviews following his return, Appel spoke about how he had rediscovered his love for the game during his time away from baseball.
He had spent time coaching and mentoring young players, which had reignited his passion for the sport. He also cited the support of his family and friends as a key factor in his decision to return to baseball.
Since his return to baseball, Appel has had mixed results in the minor leagues. He started the season with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, but was demoted to Double-A after struggling with his command. In 11 starts for the Reading Fightin Phils, he posted a 3.96 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched.
Despite his struggles on the field, Appel remains committed to his comeback and to using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues in sports.
He has been open about his struggles with depression and the importance of seeking help when needed. His return to baseball serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to overcome setbacks and pursue one’s passions.
Table: Mark Appel’s Baseball Career Summary
| Year | Team | League | Level | Record | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Stanford | NCAA | N/A | 10-2 | 2.56 | 130 |
| 2013 | Stanford | NCAA | N/A | 10-4 | 2.12 | 130 |
| 2013 | Gulf Coast Astros | MiLB | ROK | 0-1 | 3.00 | 3 |
| 2013 | Tri-City ValleyCats | MiLB | A-SS | 3-1 | 3.79 | 33 |
| 2014 | Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB | A+ | 5-2 | 3.11 | 69 |
| 2014 | Corpus Christi Hooks | MiLB | AA | 1-2 | 3.69 | 38 |
| 2015 | Corpus Christi Hooks | MiLB | AA | 3-3 | 4.26 | 51 |
| 2016 | Fresno Grizzlies | MiLB | AAA | 3-3 | 4.46 | 37 |
| 2017 | Did not play | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2018 | Did not play | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | Lehigh Valley IronPigs | MiLB | AAA | 0-2 | 8.18 | 17 |
| 2021 | Reading Fightin Phils | MiLB | AA | 3-4 | 3.96 | 42 |
Note: N/A indicates that no data is available for that category. The table includes Appel’s college statistics and minor league statistics from his time with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.
FAQs
Was Mark Appel’s shoulder injury the only injury he experienced during his baseball career?
No, Appel also suffered a minor elbow injury in 2015, which forced him to miss some time.
Did Mark Appel have success in college baseball?
Yes, Appel was a standout pitcher at Stanford University, where he set several school records and was named an All-American twice.
Did Mark Appel ever play in the major leagues?
No, despite being a highly-touted prospect, Appel never made it to the major leagues. His struggles with injury and inconsistency derailed his career.
What was Mark Appel’s draft position?
Appel was selected by the Houston Astros with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft.
Did Mark Appel’s retirement affect the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization?
While Appel’s retirement was certainly a disappointment for the Phillies, it did not have a significant impact on the team’s overall success. The Phillies have continued to compete in the years since his retirement.
Conclusion
Mark Appel’s journey in baseball has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by high expectations, injury, and mental health struggles. His retirement in 2018 was a difficult decision, but it ultimately allowed him to prioritize his well-being and to explore other interests.
However, his return to baseball in 2021 showed that his passion for the sport never really waned. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Appel remains committed to his comeback and to using his platform to raise awareness about mental health in sports.
His story is a reminder that success in sports is not just about talent and physical ability, but also about mental and emotional resilience.
