Beyond the game: athletic identity and post-retirement adaptation of former Major League Baseball players

The transition from professional athletics to retirement can be particularly complex for Major League Baseball (MLB) players, whose athletic identity is often formed early and reinforced throughout long and demanding careers. This study examined how retired MLB players perceive their athletic and role identities following retirement and explored differences among individuals experiencing high, moderate, and low levels of athletic identity loss.

Data were collected from 194 retired MLB players using the third version of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale Plus (AIMS-Plus) and a role identity rating scale. Most of the participants were White (80.9%) with the mean age of 53 years. Participants were categorized into high, moderate, and low athletic identity loss groups based on their Total AIMS (TAIMS) scores. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to examine group differences with MLB service time included as a covariate.

The MANCOVA revealed a significant multivariate effect of athletic identity loss level on the combined AIMS-Plus subscales after controlling for MLB service time with a large effect size. MLB service time also demonstrated a small but statistically significant multivariate effect. Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analyses demonstrated a clear gradient pattern: participants in the low athletic identity loss group scored significantly higher than those in the moderate and high groups across all AIMS-Plus subscales and the moderate group scored significantly higher than the high group across all AIMS-Plus subscales. In contrast, no significant differences were observed across athletic identity loss groups for most role identity variables, except the role of athletics. No significant differences were observed across athletic identity loss groups for the remaining role identity variables.

These findings underscore the strong association between athletic identity loss and multiple dimensions of athletic identity among retired MLB players. The results highlight the importance of early identity exploration and career planning in mitigating the psychological impact of retirement. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for intentional mentorship and transition programs within MLB to support athletes in preparing for life after baseball and promoting long-term wellbeing.