South Jersey native Doolittle back where it all began

WASHINGTON — Sean Doolittle graduated from Shawnee as a New Jersey state champion nearly 14 years ago. He finished his college baseball in 2007 at the University of Virginia, was drafted by the Oakland Athletics and has been there ever since.

So when his 10-year tenure with Oakland ended in a July 16 trade to Washington, Doolittle left the only clubhouse he knew, bound for a destination that was — more or less — home.

"It was a flood of emotions," Doolittle said. "You go through the rollercoaster ride of feeling everything you could think of. A little bit of shock, a little bit of sadness because you're leaving behind the only thing you've ever known."

Doolittle and longtime Phillie Ryan Madson were dealt to Washington in exchange for fellow reliever Blake Treinen and two prospects. The Nationals had been ironically playing on the West Coast, so Doolittle joined there. It wasn't until Tuesday when the 30-year old lefthanded reliever arrived in Washington

Madson, who was out of baseball from 2012-2014, will turn 37 next month. After being with the Phillies until 2011, the Nationals become Madson's fourth team. He spent a year and a half with Oakland before the trade, holding a 1.87 ERA in 43.1 innings this season. In his new clubhouse, he knows the likes of Joe Blanton and Jayson Werth. As Madson called it, he has "instant credibility" in Washington.

So does Doolittle, who played alongside Ryan Zimmerman at Virginia in college. Nonetheless, it's Doolittle's first transaction as a professional player — and having Madson two lockers down will only help. But it's a two-way street, despite a seven-year age difference.

"I'm going to say it gives him more comfort," Madson told reporters after the trade. "Cause he's been with Oakland, just one team. I'll say it's probably more comfortable for him coming with me. But I'm going to lean on him, too."
"I've learned so much from him over the past couple of years," Doolittle said. "He's been an amazing resource for me, I've picked up on how he prepares and the way he goes about his business. I'm really happy that I can tag along."

After three seasons of playing in the AL West cellar, Doolittle will now join a bonafide, albeit wounded contender. Washington boasts the second-best record in the National League at 61-39, but has been plagued by injuries. With a commanding lead in the NL East, Doolittle and Madson are in Washington for the playoff run.

"These last three years have been really rough," Doolittle said. "It makes for a long summer. There's something about coming to the field and expecting to win. I didn't realize how much I really missed it."
Those who know Doolittle are familiar with his medical history, having converted from first base to pitcher after various surgeries in the minors. He has missed plenty of time to left shoulder injuries in his career, including a month this season. When healthy, Doolittle can seal games in relief. In his career, lefties are batting .185 against him.

"That's why we got him," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. "His track record and history indicates that he's very good. We have to watch him, because he's had his share of shoulder problems. You really have to do it now or later, if there's going to be a later."

A decade gone, Doolittle is back home, playing with Zimmerman like it's 2005 in Charlottesville. He's just 100 miles from his infield days at Virginia — and a few hours from his hometown of Tabernacle.

"The glory days," Doolittle said of college. "I hit behind him, so I got a ton of good pitches to hit. It's weird how it's come full circle, but it's awesome to share the field with him again."