Sean Doolittle

Doolittle was born in South Dakota. His father, Rory, served in the Air Force, and moved his family to California and later Tabernacle Township, New Jersey, where Doolittle grew up. Doolittle first attended Major League Baseball games at the Oakland Coliseum, later his homefield as a pitcher.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jane |date=2014-06-12 |title=Dad always a huge influence on Doolittle |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dad-always-a-huge-influence-on-as-reliever-sean-doolittle/c-79391930 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} In New Jersey, he lived close to the baseball field and often went there to practice. He played Babe Ruth Baseball as a pitcher.{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Ryan |date=2019-07-18 |title=National treasure: Shawnee grad Doolittle continues to thrive in big leagues |url=https://thesunpapers.com/2019/07/18/national-treasure-shawnee-grad-doolittle-continues-to-thrive-in-big-leagues/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=The Sun Newspapers |language=en-US}}

Doolittle attended Shawnee High School in Medford, New Jersey, where he was a standout pitcher. Doolittle led Shawnee to a state championship in 2003.{{Cite web |last=Minnick |first=Kevin |date=2020-04-20 |title=World Series champion from N.J. delivers special message to alma mater during morning announcements |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2020/04/world-series-champion-delivers-special-message-to-alma-mater-during-morning-announcements.html |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=NJ.com |language=}} He was named the New Jersey high school player of the year by Baseball America, Gatorade, and the Star-Ledger.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-28 |title=Sean Doolittle |url=https://virginiasports.com/player/sean-doolittle/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site |language=en-US}} He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 39th round of the 2004 MLB draft but did not sign with the team.

Doolittle played for the University of Virginia as both a starting pitcher and first baseman. He held the record for career wins for a Virginia pitcher, 22, later surpassed by Danny Hultzen.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090326&content_id=4072008&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|title=Batting Around with Sean Doolittle: Former pitcher backs up A's decision to have him focus on hitting|last=Winston|first=Lisa|date=March 27, 2009|work=mlb.com|access-date=May 28, 2009}} In 2005, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2005&T=Harwich_Mariners |title=2005 Harwich Mariners |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}} In 2006, he was the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. In 2005 and 2006, Doolittle played for the collegiate USA national baseball team, again serving as both a pitcher and batter.{{cite web|url=http://secdn.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/130184/five-sec-players-make-usa-baseball-national-team.aspx|title=Five SEC Players Make USA Baseball National Team|date=July 2, 2005|work=SECsports.com|access-date=April 19, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/highschool/050808summerstock.html|title=Summer Stock: Doolittle Does A Lot|last=Kimmey|first=Will|date=August 8, 2005|work=Baseball America|access-date=May 28, 2009}} He tied for the team lead with five doubles in 2005, batting .347.{{Cite web |title=Overall Statistics for the 2005 Collegiate National Team |url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/opprops-images/image/upload/opprops/xykmoiwzvlisu5hsl9ln.pdf |website=USA Baseball}} He batted 2-for-6 with a double in the 2006 World University Championship final, as the U.S. defeated Chinese Taipei.{{Cite web |title=Collegiate National Team 2006 box scores |url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/opprops-images/image/upload/opprops/ujriykzktveobg6qpc7o.pdf |website=USA Baseball |page=15}}

File:Sean Doolittle on July 18, 2007.jpg in 2007]]

The Oakland Athletics selected Doolittle in the first round, with the 41st overall selection, in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft as a first baseman and outfielder.{{cite web |last=Katherine |first=Anna |year=2013 |title=Against the Odds |url=https://uvamagazine.org/articles/against_the_odds |accessdate=2021-08-26 |website=Virginia Magazine |publisher=}} He signed with the Athletics for $742,500.{{Cite web |title=1st Round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=2007&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He made his professional debut in late June 2007 with the Vancouver Canadians. After 13 games, he was promoted to the Kane County Cougars. He batted .243 with 4 home runs in 68 games combined in 2007. 2008 was Doolittle's only full minor league season as a batter.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001sea |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He started the year with the Class-A Advanced Stockton Ports and was named to the California League All-Star team{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/sean-doolittle-448281 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} before advancing to the Double-A Midland RockHounds in July. He hit for a .945 on-base plus slugging in Stockton, which fell to .699 with Midland. After the season, he played for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

Doolittle started 2009 with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, but his season ended in early May.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2009 Minor & Fall Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001sea&type=bgl&year=2009 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He was placed on the disabled list with a strained right knee on May 9. Despite being injured for most of 2009, Doolittle was ranked 10th in Oakland's farm system by Baseball America entering 2010.{{cite web |last=Shonerd |first=Jim |date=January 19, 2010 |title=Top 10 Prospects: Oakland Athletics |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269399.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124072609/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269399.html |archive-date=2010-01-24 |access-date=April 19, 2014 |publisher=Baseball America}} Doolittle missed the 2010 season rehabbing from two knee surgeries. He was close to returning to Triple-A in the summer of 2010, but popped a tendon in his right wrist during a swing, requiring more rehabilitation and ending a comeback attempt.{{Cite web |last=Stiglich |first=Joe |date=2012-06-11 |title=Oakland A's first-baseman-turned-pitcher Sean Doolittle surprised even himself with rapid rise to big leagues |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2012/06/11/oakland-as-first-baseman-turned-pitcher-sean-doolittle-surprised-even-himself-with-rapid-rise-to-big-leagues/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}} On November 10, 2010, he was added to Oakland's 40-man roster to be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

After missing more than two years, Doolittle converted back to pitching,{{cite web |last=Lockard |first=Melissa |date=October 17, 2011 |title=A's Doolittle Thrilled With Change In Path |url=http://athletics.scout.com/a.z?s=304&p=2&c=1118448&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fathletics.scout.com%2f2%2f1118448.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419180737/http://athletics.scout.com/a.z?s=304&p=2&c=1118448&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fathletics.scout.com%2f2%2f1118448.html |archive-date=2014-04-19 |access-date=April 19, 2014 |publisher=Scout.com}} making his professional pitching debut with the Rookie league AZL Athletics in August 2011.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2011 Minor & Fall Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001sea&type=pgl&year=2011 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} In 2012, Doolittle quickly advanced through the minors as a reliever before making his MLB debut. He pitched 6 games for Stockton in April, followed by 8 games for Midland, then two games with Sacramento. With all three teams, he allowed only 2 earned runs and two extra base hits, both doubles, while striking out 48 batters in 25 innings.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2012 Minor & Fall Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001sea&type=pgl&year=2012 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

After pitching just 26 professional innings, Doolittle was called up to the majors on June 5, 2012, against the Texas Rangers, pitching {{Fraction|1|1|3}} inning with three strikeouts.{{Cite web |title=Texas Rangers vs Oakland Athletics Box Score: June 5, 2012 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK201206050.shtml |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He threw only fastballs in his debut, all between 93.2 and 96.2 miles per hour.{{Cite web |title=MLB Gameday: Rangers 6, Athletics 3 Final Score (06/05/2012) |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-athletics/2012/06/05/318563/final/summary/all |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He quickly became a key bullpen piece as the top lefty specialist, earning his first career save on July 21 against the New York Yankees.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2012 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2012 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He served as a setup man for closer Grant Balfour the rest of the season, as Oakland won the AL West on the final day of the season.{{Cite web |last=Jaffe |first=Jay |date=2012-10-04 |title=A's win the West in a wild one |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2012/10/04/athletics-win-al-west-over-ranger |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=SI |language=en-US}} Doolittle pitched in 3 postseason games, including blowing a save in Game 1of the American League Division Series (ALDS).{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&post=1 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

File:Sean Doolittle on May 7, 2016.jpg

In 2013, Doolittle pitched in a career high 69 innings and 70 games. Still in a setup role, he has a 5–5 record with two saves and a 3.13 ERA. He allowed only 6.3 percent of inherited baserunners to score, having the highest strand of all relievers.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Matt |date=2013-11-09 |title=Leaderboarding: Best relievers at stranding inherited runners in 2013 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/leaderboarding-best-relievers-at-stranding-inherited-runners-in-2013/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} In the postseason, he took the loss in Game 4 of the ALDS after giving up a game-tying home run to Víctor Martínez of the Detroit Tigers.{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Ted |date=2013-10-08 |title=Tigers hit controversial, fan-aided home run in Detroit |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/10/did-a-tigers-fan-aid-a-critical-tigers-home-run |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today |language=}}

Doolittle signed a five-year, $10.5 million extension with the Athletics on April 18, 2014.{{cite news|title=A's lefty reliever Doolittle gets 5-year deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10804209|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|access-date=April 19, 2014|date=April 18, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Blum|first=Ronald|title=Doolittle's 5-year contract with A's worth $10.5M|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10819592|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|access-date=April 22, 2014|date=April 21, 2014}}

Doolittle and righty Luke Gregerson entered the regular season as late-inning setup pitchers for new closer Jim Johnson. However, after an abysmal April, Johnson was removed from the closing role.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jon |date=2014-04-10 |title=Oakland Athletics remove Jim Johnson from closer's role |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/04/10/oakland-athletics-jim-johnson-closer |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=SI |language=en-US}} Doolittle, Gregerson, and Johnson spent the next three weeks pitching under closer by committee. Doolittle was ultimately named A's closer on May 20.{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=Katie |date=2014-05-21 |title=Athletics manager: Sean Doolittle to become closer |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/505887 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=theScore.com |language=en}} Doolittle was one of six A's players named to the 2014 American League All-Star team. He had two strikeouts and allowed a single in the game's 8th inning.{{Cite web |title=2014 All-Star Game Box Score, July 15 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2014-allstar-game.shtml |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He finished the regular season with a 2–4 record with 22 saves, the most saves by an Athletics left-handed pitcher in a season.{{Cite web |title=Most Saves One Season Athletics Left-handed Pitcher |url=https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask?q=most+saves+one+season+athletics+left-handed+pitcher |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=StatMuse |language=en}} He had a 11.13 strikeout-to-walk ratio, second among all pitchers that year behind Phil Hughes.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders pitching 2014 |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=1&startdate=&enddate=&month=0&season1=2014&season=2014&sortcol=4&sortdir=default&qual=0 |website=FanGraphs}} He had a poor showing in his third straight postseason, blowing a save in the month inning of a Wild Card Game loss to the Kansas City Royals.{{Cite web |title=2014 American League Wild Card (ALWC) Game 1, Oakland Athletics vs Kansas City Royals: September 30, 2014 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA201409300.shtml |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Doolittle began the 2015 season on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mlb/oakland-as/article21209817.html|title=A's unable to capitalize on closer Tyler Clippard's success|first=Matt|last=Kawahara|work=The Sacramento Bee|date=May 16, 2015|access-date=May 30, 2015}} He pitched once for Oakland on May 27 before going on the 60-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder. He returned nearly 3 months later and pitched in 11 games toward toward the end of the season. He had 1 win, 4 saves and a 3.95 ERA in {{Fraction|13|2|3}} innings.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2015 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2015 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

The Athletics gave away 15,000 Doolittle garden gnomes on April 30, 2016. The gnome played a short clip of Metallica's For Whom the Bell Tolls, Doolittle's entry music.{{cite web |date=January 20, 2016 |title=The A's made a rockin' Sean Doolittle gnome that plays Metallica |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/the-a-s-made-a-rockin--sean-doolittle-gnome-that-plays-metallica-183049734.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507071548/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/the-a-s-made-a-rockin--sean-doolittle-gnome-that-plays-metallica-183049734.html |archive-date=2016-05-07 |access-date=November 2, 2019 |website=Yahoo Sports |publisher=}}{{Cite web |last=Spector |first=Jesse |date=2015-07-06 |title=Closing time: Who has the best entrance music in baseball? |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/closer-music-rankings-mariano-rivera-enter-sandman-trevor-hoffman-hells-bells-yankees-red-sox-sandstorm/10gwfu75c723t1x2blpk603jmn |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Sporting News |language=}} Doolittle did not pitch in the game.{{Cite web |title=Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics Box Score: April 30, 2016 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK201604300.shtml |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} In his last full season with the Athletics, Doolittle missed all of July and August with a strained shoulder. He earned 4 saves before the injury and returned to a setup role behind closer Ryan Madson.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2016 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2016 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2016 Oakland Athletics Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/2016.shtml |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hickey |first=John |date=2017-02-18 |title=Ryan Madson: 'A's have extraordinary luxury' in choice of closers |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/18/ryan-madson-as-have-extraordinary-luxury-in-choice-of-closers/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}

File:Sean Doolittle Nashville 2017 no-hitter 2.jpg in 2017]]

Doolittle missed more than a month with another shoulder strain in early 2017. On June 7, while on rehab assignment with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, Doolittle pitched the seventh inning of a combined no-hitter, immediately following starter Chris Smith. Relievers Tucker Healy and Simón Castro closed out the game.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-06-08 |title=Nashville Sounds keep Omaha Storm Chasers hit-less in 4-0 |url=https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2017/06/07/nashville-sounds-keep-omaha-storm-chasers-hit-less-4-0/ |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Clarksville Online |language=}}{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2017 |title=Sounds No-Hit Storm Chasers |url=https://www.milb.com/news/sounds-no-hit-storm-chasers-235066110 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Minor League Baseball |language=en}} Doolittle earned his final save with the A's on June 18 and his final win on July 8, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout in each game.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2017 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2017 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On July 16, 2017, the Athletics traded Doolittle and Madson to the Washington Nationals for reliever Blake Treinen and prospects Jesús Luzardo and Sheldon Neuse.{{cite web |last=Collier |first=Jamal |date=July 16, 2017 |title=Nats acquire Doolittle, Madson from A's |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-acquire-doolittle-madson-from-a-s-c242442972?msockid=2f95ed8e8df76845367df8e28c3169ff |access-date=July 16, 2017 |work=MLB.com}} After having only 4 save opportunities with Oakland, Doolittle immediately became the Nationals' closer.{{Cite news |last=Janes |first=Chelsea |date=August 18, 2017 |title=The Nationals' latest ninth-inning hope is a left-handed, one-pitch wonder |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/08/18/the-nationals-latest-ninth-inning-hope-is-a-left-handed-one-pitch-wonder/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116185036/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/08/18/the-nationals-latest-ninth-inning-hope-is-a-left-handed-one-pitch-wonder/ |archive-date=2019-01-16 |newspaper=Washington Post}} After taking a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to join the Nationals in Anaheim, Doolittle earned his first save with his new team on July 18. He allowed one run and two baserunners but promised after the game that "they won’t all be like that."{{Cite news |last1=Castillo |first1=Jorge |last2=Janes |first2=Chelsea |date=October 4, 2017 |title=The true, complete story of how the Nationals fixed baseball's worst bullpen in two trades |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/04/the-true-complete-story-of-how-the-nationals-fixed-baseballs-worst-bullpen-in-two-trades/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008071715/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20171008071715/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/04/the-true-complete-story-of-how-the-nationals-fixed-baseballs-worst-bullpen-in-two-trades/ |archive-date=2017-10-08 |newspaper=Washington Post}} Doolittle, Madson, and fellow mid-season trade acquisition Brandon Kintzler improved the Nationals' bullpen, which had the lowest ERA in the last three innings of a game in the NL following the trade for Doolittle and Madson, en route to an NL East division title. In 30 games for the Nationals, Doolittle was 1–0 with a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings, going 21-for-22 in save opportunities. He won the NL Reliever of the Month Award for September.{{Cite web |last=Zuckerman |first=Mark |date=2017-10-02 |title=Strasburg, Doolittle win NL monthly pitching awards |url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/strasburg-doolittle-win-nl-monthly-pitching-awards |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MASNsports.com |language=en-us}} He earned his first postseason save in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Jorge |date=October 9, 2017 |title=While the offense provided the thunder, the Nationals' bullpen brought the hammer in Game 2 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/10/09/while-the-offense-provided-the-thunder-the-nationals-bullpen-brought-the-hammer-in-game-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009133713/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20171009133713/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/10/09/while-the-offense-provided-the-thunder-the-nationals-bullpen-brought-the-hammer-in-game-2/ |archive-date=2017-10-09 |access-date=2025-01-13 |newspaper=Washington Post}}

Doolittle started 2018 strong as the Nationals' closer. He had 22 saves in 23 in opportunities in his first 35 games,{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2018 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2018 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} but on July 11 was placed on the disabled list with inflammation on a toe on his left foot. That day, he was also named his second and final All-Star team, but he did not pitch in the All-Star Game due to the toe injury.{{cite web |last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Nationals closer Sean Doolittle placed on disabled list |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2018/07/11/nationals-closer-sean-doolittle-placed-on-the-disabled-list/ |access-date=November 2, 2019 |website=HardballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports}} He came off the disabled list on September 7.{{Cite web |last=Matz |first=Eddie |date=September 7, 2018 |title=Nationals activate All-Star Doolittle from DL |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24608737/sean-doolittle-washington-nationals-activated-dl |website=ESPN.com}} For the year, he was 3–3 with 25 saves, 7th most in the NL, and a 1.60 ERA. He had 60 strikeouts in 45 innings, striking out 36.8 percent of batters, 10th most in the majors.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doolise01.shtml |title=Sean Doolittle Stats |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 2, 2019}}{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders 2018 Pitching |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=1&startdate=&enddate=&month=0&season1=2018&season=2018&qual=40&sortcol=6&sortdir=default&pagenum=1 |website=FanGraphs}} He threw a four-seam fastball 89 percent of the time, most in MLB.{{cite web |title=Statcast Pitch Arsenals Leaderboard |url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/pitch-arsenals?year=2018&min=100&type=n_&hand= |access-date=November 2, 2019 |website=Baseball Savant |publisher=mlb.com}} His fastball also had more rise than any other pitcher.{{Cite web |title=Statcast Pitch Movement Leaderboard |url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/pitch-movement?year=2018&team=undefined&min=500&pitch_type=FF&hand=&x=diff_x_hidden&z=diff_z_hidden |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Baseball Savant |publisher=MLB.com |language=en-US}}

In 2019, Doolittle was 6–5 with a career high 29 saves, 6th most in the NL, and a 4.05 ERA. He struck out 66 batters in 60 innings. He led the NL with 55 games finished. However, after allowing three home runs in a blown saves against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 17,{{Cite web |title=Milwaukee Brewers vs Washington Nationals Box Score: August 17, 2019 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201908170.shtml |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} Doolittle was placed on the injured list with knee tendinitis. When he returned to the bullpen in September, he was in a "fireman" setup role behind new closer Daniel Hudson.{{Cite news |last=Fortier |first=Sam |date=October 18, 2019 |title=Pitch by pitch, Daniel Hudson comes to terms with being the Nationals' closer |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/pitch-by-pitch-daniel-hudson-comes-to-terms-with-being-the-nationals-closer/2019/10/18/bba0d15a-f1c7-11e9-8693-f487e46784aa_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027031205/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/pitch-by-pitch-daniel-hudson-comes-to-terms-with-being-the-nationals-closer/2019/10/18/bba0d15a-f1c7-11e9-8693-f487e46784aa_story.html |archive-date=2022-10-27 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Paulsen |first=Grant |title=Sean Doolittle’s injury and usage are bigger than the Nationals; it’s a league-wide bullpen dilemma |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1174578/2019/09/04/sean-doolittles-injury-and-usage-is-bigger-than-the-nationals-its-a-league-wide-bullpen-dilemma/ |access-date=2025-01-14 |work=The Athletic |language= |issn=}}

In the postseason, Doolittle allowed 2 runs in {{frac|10|1|3}} innings. He had a four-out save in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series,{{Cite web |date=2019-10-11 |title=NLCS Gm1: Doolittle keeps 1-hitter intact with save |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/doolittle-earns-a-4-out-save |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} in the closer's role because Hudson was on paternity leave. Doolittle later publicly supported Hudson's decision to leave the Nationals to help his wife in childbirth.{{Cite web |last=Lacques |first=Gabe |title=Sean Doolittle: ‘You’re an (expletive)' if critical of Daniel Hudson's paternity leave |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/nationals/2019/10/12/sean-doolittle-final-word-daniel-hudson-paternity-leave-critics/3964849002/ |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} Doolittle had another four-out save in Game 1 of the World Series.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-22 |title=WS2019 Gm1: Doolitle gets 4 straight outs for save |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/doolittle-k-s-1-in-4-out-save |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He started adding lavender oil to his glove in the postseason to calm his nerves.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-28 |title=Nats' Doolittle calmed by lavender oil on glove |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28798027/nats-closer-sean-doolittle-calmed-lavender-oil-glove |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He celebrated in the Nationals championship parade by carrying a lightsaber on the team's bullpen cart.{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle R. |date=2019-11-02 |title=Highlights from the Nationals' World Series parade (including Max Scherzer's WWE belt) |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/11/washington-nationals-world-series-parade-scherzer-martinez-baby-shark-video-photo |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today |language=}}{{Citation |last=David |title=_25A7166 |date=2019-11-02 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/49040681033/in/photolist-nzyH1W-24TaBAa-2i6ZpL-TmtnAS-VoThFi-5wKzFJ-2eoKXxm-2eoKXo3-2fuJjeZ-2a47DJq-24TaC5X-2hEz4aQ-2hEBMrx-24TaC3H-TmtnWb-2fq3VnQ-z5opk7-pgaGS5-cua9oS-tmn7T6-y9phtL-2nKpYA5-2iwvpTV-2m26dab-2hHyiVk-2fNxe4H-UiM7XU-2i6VmE-2jFA12z-2jFASNR-2m1K29G-oACAqT-2jFASx5-2jqSEvo-2jqSExx-2m3o8f1-2iT9Wqx-yuQt2W-2ngY5Aq-2ngY5yw-4dUFce-p231Bp |access-date=2025-01-13}}

File:Sean Doolittle pitching in the 9th inning from Nationals vs. Braves at Nationals Park, September 10th, 2020 (All-Pro Reels Photography) (50331261522) (cropped).jpg

Doolittle again dealt with injuries, with two stints on the injured list in the shortened 2020 season. On August 13, he was placed on the injured list with right knee fatigue after his first five games. Shortly after being reinstated, he suffered an oblique strain on September 10.{{cite web|last=Niland |first=Marty |url=https://www.federalbaseball.com/2020/9/11/21431723/washington-nationals-sean-doolittle-hurt-oblique-injury-according-to-manager-davey-martinez | title=Washington Nationals' Sean Doolittle hurt – Oblique injury according to Davey Martinez... |publisher=federalbaseball.com |date=September 10, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2021}} That was his final game of 2020. He ended the season with an 0–2 record and 5.87 ERA in {{frac|7|2|3}} innings in 11 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/sean-doolittle/1581/stats?position=P |title=Sean Doolittle – Stats – Pitching |publisher=fangraphs.com |access-date=January 27, 2020}} He became a free agent on October 28.

On February 8, 2021, Doolittle signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30861767/cincinnati-reds-add-veteran-left-hander-sean-doolittle-bullpen|title=Reds add veteran left-hander Doolittle to bullpen|date=February 8, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} Doolittle appeared in 45 games for the Reds in 2021, with a 3–1 record and 1 save in 5 opportunities, posting a 4.46 ERA with 41 strikeouts {{Fraction|38|1|3}} innings.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2021 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=doolise01&t=p&year=2021 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On August 24, 2021, Doolittle was designated for assignment by the Reds.{{cite web|author=Anthony Franco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/reds-activate-tejay-antone-designate-sean-doolittle-for-assignment.html |title=Reds Activate Tejay Antone, Designate Sean Doolittle For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date= August 24, 2021|accessdate=2021-08-26}}

On August 26, 2021, the Seattle Mariners claimed Doolittle off of waivers.{{cite web |author=Franco |first=Anthony |date=August 26, 2021 |title=Mariners Claim Sean Doolittle Off Waivers From Reds |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/mariners-claim-sean-doolittle-off-waivers-from-reds.html |accessdate=2021-08-26 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |publisher=}} In 11 games with the Mariners, Doolittle pitched {{Fraction|11|1|3}} innings with a 4.76 ERA with 12 strikeouts.{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/sean-doolittle/1581/stats?position=P |title=Sean Doolittle Stats |accessdate=2022-01-01}} Doolittle became a free agent again on November 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2021-22-free-agents-by-position |title=2021-22 free agents, position by position |website=MLB.com |accessdate=2021-01-01}}

File:Sean Doolittle 2022 (52032873726) (cropped).jpg in 2022]]

On March 16, 2022, Doolittle signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Washington Nationals.{{cite web|title=Washington Nationals agree to terms with Sean Doolittle|url=https://curlyw.mlblogs.com/washington-nationals-agree-to-terms-with-sean-doolittle-7a3764a47e0c|date=March 16, 2022|accessdate=March 16, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-14 |title=Nationals To Sign Sean Doolittle |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/nationals-to-sign-sean-doolittle.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} After six scoreless appearances, he was placed on the injured list on April 20 and underwent internal brace surgery on the ulner collateral ligament in his elbow in July, which ended his season.{{cite news |title=Washington Nationals' Sean Doolittle set for elbow surgery; season over |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34249504/washington-nationals-sean-doolittle-set-elbow-surgery-season-over |access-date=July 16, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=July 15, 2022}}

On November 6, 2022, Doolittle re-signed a minor league contract with Washington with an invitation to spring training in 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/nationals-resign-sean-doolittle-to-minor-league-contract.html | title=Nationals Re-Sign Sean Doolittle to Minor League Contract | date=November 9, 2022 }} He was not able to fully come back from his elbow surgery and suffered a knee strain in late June, sending him to the injured list for the final time in his career.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-30 |title=Nationals' Sean Doolittle: Diagnosed with knee strain |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-sean-doolittle-diagnosed-with-knee-strain/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} In 11 minor league games before the knee injury, pitching for the Single-A Fredericksburg Nationals, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks, Double-A Harrisburg Senators, and Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, Doolittle had a 5.91 ERA.{{Cite web |title=Sean Doolittle 2023 Minor & Fall Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001sea&type=pgl&year=2023 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On September 22, 2023, Doolittle announced his retirement from professional baseball.{{Cite web|title=Ex-Nats reliever Sean Doolittle exits after '11 incredible seasons'|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38461897/ex-nats-reliever-sean-doolittle-exits-11-incredible-seasons|access-date=September 22, 2023|website=espn.com|date=September 22, 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=Cxf5pFmuAEm |user=sean.doolittle63 |title=After 11 incredible seasons playing the sport I love, I can say with gratitude and a full heart that I am retiring from baseball... |first=Sean |last=Doolittle |date=September 22, 2023}} He had 75 saves with the Nationals, tied for fourth most with the franchise since it relocated from Montreal in 2005.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders Pitching Nationals 2005 to 2024 |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=8&month=0&ind=0&rost=0&players=0&team=24&sortcol=4&sortdir=default&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2005&season=2024&qual=0 |website=FanGraphs}} Doolittle threw his fastball 87 percent of the time, the second highest frequency of any pitcher during his career, trailing only Jake McGee, and the sixth-most since pitch-type data was tracked starting in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders Pitching 2012 to 2024 |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=4&month=0&ind=0&rost=0&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&team=0&qual=50&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&season1=2012&season=2024 |website=FanGraphs}}{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders Pitching 2002 to 2024 |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&type=4&month=0&ind=0&rost=0&players=0&startdate=&enddate=&team=0&qual=50&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&season1=2002&season=2024 |website=FanGraphs}}

On January 16, 2024, Doolittle was hired by the Nationals as a pitching strategist.{{Cite web |title=Nats hire All-Star and WS champ Doolittle as pitching strategist |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-hire-sean-doolittle-as-pitching-strategist |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

Doolittle is active in several charitable efforts. He was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 by the Athletics and in 2020 by the Nationals.{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Jane |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Sean Doolittle nominated for Clemente Award |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/sean-doolittle-nominated-for-clemente-award-c199897872 |access-date=October 16, 2016 |website=Major League Baseball}}{{Cite web |last=Camerato |first=Jessica |date=September 9, 2020 |title=Doolittle 'humbled' by Clemente nomination |url=https://www.mlb.com/nationals/news/sean-doolittle-nationals-roberto-clemente-nominee |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He was twice nominated for the Branch Rickey Award by the Athletics.

Regarding his charity work, Doolittle told The New York Times in 2016: "When I was a kid, I remember my parents would say, 'Baseball is what you do, but that's not who you are' — like that might be my job, but that's not the end-all, be-all. I feel like I might even be able to use it to help other people or open some doors or explore more opportunities."

{{multiple image

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| image1 = Sean Doolittle, Oakland A's pitcher, speaks to the children July 21 at the Travis Air Force Base Youth Center. Doolittle spoke about becoming a baseball player and answered questions for the children.jpg

| image2 = Washington Nationals Visit USO (5314030) (cropped).jpg

| footer = Doolittle (left) speaking to children at Travis Air Force Base in 2014 and (right) with Sully during a visit to Naval Support Activity Bethesda in 2019

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Doolittle supports Operation Finally Home, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing for U.S. military veterans and their families,{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |author-link=Tyler Kepner |date=March 12, 2016 |title=Off the Mound, Sean Doolittle Brings Relief to the Ostracized |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/sports/baseball/off-the-mound-sean-doolittle-brings-relief-to-the-ostracized.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012065237/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/sports/baseball/off-the-mound-sean-doolittle-brings-relief-to-the-ostracized.html |archive-date=2023-10-12 |access-date=October 16, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and Swords to Ploughshares, a Bay Area organization devoted to helping veterans with housing and employment.{{Cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-mlb-sean-doolittle-refugees-20170217-story.html|title=Whether on the mound or for refugees in need, relief is a calling for the A's' Sean Doolittle|last=DiGiovanna|first=Mike|date=February 20, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 13, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}} In recognition of his work with U.S. military veterans, he won the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/washington-nationals/2018/12/honored-with-act-of-valor-award-doolittle-presses-sports-leagues-to-do-more-for-veterans/|title=Honored with Act of Valor award, Doolittle presses sports leagues to do more for veterans|website=wtopnews|date=December 5, 2018 }}

In June 2015, when the Oakland Athletics Pride Night received backlash from some fans for the team's support of LGBT rights, Doolittle and then-girlfriend Eireann Dolan bought hundreds of game tickets, which they donated to local LGBT groups and raised an additional $40,000 in donations. Doolittle is an ally and LGBT rights activist who also supported Pride events with the Nationals.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/06/20/ally-and-baseball-pro-sean-doolittle-wears-pride-on-his-cleats/|title=Ally and baseball pro Sean Doolittle wears Pride on his cleats|last=Majoros|first=Kevin|date=June 20, 2019|website=Washington Blade|language=en-US|access-date=November 4, 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Schultz |first=Ken |title=Sean Doolittle offers unequivocal support for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence |url=https://www.outsports.com/2023/6/7/23752985/sean-doolittle-washington-nationals-pride-night-out-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-lgbtq/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=OutSports |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=Washingtonians of the Year 2022: Meet DC's Changemakers |url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/12/21/washingtonians-of-the-year-2022/#eireanndolan |access-date=2025-01-13 |language=en-US}}

Doolittle has supported workers' rights throughout baseball, including the MLB players unions and workers who make baseball hats and work at stadiums.{{Cite web |date=2019-02-21 |title=MLBPA releases statement supporting New Era workers |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/mlbpa-releases-statement-supporting-new-era-workers |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Washington Nationals Ace Pitcher and Social Justice Advocate Sean Doolittle Recognized by UNITE HERE with Honorary Union Membership |url=https://unitehere.org/press-releases/washington-nationals-ace-pitcher-and-social-justice-advocate-sean-doolittle-recognized-by-unite-here-with-honorary-union-membership-ceremony-at-mlb-stadium-in-d-c/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=UNITE HERE! |language=en-US}}

Doolittle and Dolan support to the District of Columbia statehood movement. In August 2022, they co-hosted an art exhibit in Washington, D.C. entitled "Art Drives Statehood" to raise awareness of the cause.{{cite news |last1=Pusatory |first1=Matt |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle hosts art exhibit for DC statehood |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/features/dc-thing/nationals-pitcher-sean-doolittle-statehood-art-exhibit/65-cd918e64-3d79-4f46-9ce0-411c63b5bc44 |access-date=29 December 2022 |publisher=WUSA9}}

In November 2015, Doolittle and Dolan hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago for 17 Syrian refugee families.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Oakland-As-Pitcher-Sean-Doolittle-Girlfriend-Eireann-Dolan-Host-Syrian-Refugees-For-Thanksgiving-in-Chicago-355926101.html |title=A's Pitcher, Girlfriend Host Syrian Refugees for Thanksgiving |newspaper=NBC Bay Area |access-date=October 16, 2016}}

In October 2016, Doolittle was one of several professional athletes to denounce Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments about non-consensual groping of women as not being wikt:"locker room talk".{{Cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/athletes-Donald-Trump-lock-room-banter-debate-9960343.php|title=Sean Doolittle among athletes saying they don't talk like Trump in locker room|newspaper=SFGate|access-date=October 16, 2016}} In 2019, the Washington Post reported that, because of then-president Trump's actions, Doolittle would not attend a ceremony at the White House following the Nationals' World Series win.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/11/01/sean-doolittle-declining-white-house-invite-i-dont-want-hang-out-with-somebody-who-talks-like-that/ Sean Doolittle – declining White House invite: I don't want to hang out with somebody who talks like that], The Washington Post, November 1, 2019

Doolittle said in 2017 that he registered as a political independent. Doolittle is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.{{cite news |last1=Silverman |first1=Robert |date=April 11, 2020 |title=Leftist Star Pitcher Sean Doolittle and Wife Speak Out on MLB's Reopening Proposal |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/socialist-star-pitcher-sean-doolittle-and-wife-slam-mlbs-reckless-reopening-plan |access-date=May 5, 2020 |work=The Daily Beast}}{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Jason |last2=Figueroa |first2=Alyssa |last3=Hillenbrand |first3=Heather |title=Nationalizing the Pastime: Why Socialists Want Billionaires Out of Baseball |url=https://www.dsausa.org/democratic-left/nationalizing-the-pastime-why-socialists-want-billionaires-out-of-baseball/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) |language=en-US}}

Doolittle spoke to youth baseball players as part of MLB's "Shred Hate" anti-bullying campaign.

Doolittle and Eireann Dolan married on October 2, 2017, eloping the day after the Nationals' last game of the regular season.{{cite news |last=Dunn |first=Mina |date=October 3, 2017 |title=Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan Elope, Everything is Good |url=http://thenatsblog.com/2017/10/sean-doolittle-and-eireann-dolan-elope-everything-is-good/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212110120/http://thenatsblog.com/2017/10/sean-doolittle-and-eireann-dolan-elope-everything-is-good/ |archive-date=2024-12-12 |access-date=October 3, 2017 |agency=The Nats Blog}} They met in Oakland when Dolan was working as a writer for Doolittle's then-teammate Brandon McCarthy.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=2016-03-12 |title=Off the Mound, Sean Doolittle Brings Relief to the Ostracized |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/sports/baseball/off-the-mound-sean-doolittle-brings-relief-to-the-ostracized.html |access-date=2016-10-16 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}

Sean's younger brother, Ryan Doolittle, was a pitcher in the Athletics' farm system from 2008 to 2016.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Doolittle Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=doolit001rya |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} The two trained together to rehabilitate from injuries when Doolittle switched from being a position player to a pitcher.{{cite news |last1=Caple |first1=Jim |author-link1=Jim Caple |title=Is A's reliever Sean Doolittle the most interesting man in baseball? |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/seasonpreview_doolittle/is-reliever-sean-doolittle-most-interesting-man-baseball |access-date=April 6, 2016 |work=ESPN.com |date=April 6, 2016}}

His parents are Rory and Debbie Doolittle. He also has a sister, Megan. Rory served in the U.S. Air Force and received a bronze star.

Doolittle changed his jersey number from 62 to 63 in 2019 to honor his grandmother, Jan Urban who died that spring. She had been married to Doolittle's grandfather John Urban for 63 years.{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Jon |date=2019-11-13 |title=Ex-A's fan favorite Doolittle finds touching way to honor late grandmother |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/11/13/nationals-sean-doolittle-finds-touching-way-to-honor-late-grandmother/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=The Mercury News |language=}}

Doolittle is a seventh cousin of General Jimmy Doolittle, who led the Doolittle Raid in World War II.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-27 |title=Doolittle reflects on historical Lt. Gen. Doolittle |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/doolittle-reflects-on-historical-lt-gen-doolittle/c-77082582 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

While traveling for away games, Doolittle made it a practice to seek out independent bookstores, and then share his visits on social media. Doolittle, an avid reader, particularly of science fiction and fantasy, commented to The Wall Street Journal, "I want to support these places that are active in their communities, that are trying to be supportive and inclusive spaces for their communities."{{cite news |last1=Diamond |first1=Jared |date=May 23, 2019 |title=The All-Star Closer Who Is Trying to Save Bookstores |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-all-star-closer-who-is-trying-to-save-bookstores-11558631011 |access-date=November 9, 2019 |work=Wall Street Journal}} In an interview with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Doolittle said that one of his favorite authors is Octavia E. Butler and in particular he is a fan of Parable of the Sower.{{Citation |title=Live! at the Library: A Conversation with Sean Doolittle |date=June 30, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AainXoeSFAI |access-date=2022-07-01 |language=en}}

Doolittle is a Star Wars fan. He wore Chewbacca pajamas when he first saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Dan |date=August 10, 2016 |title=Throwing Four-Seamers with the Force: Talking Star Wars with Sean Doolittle of the Oakland A's |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/sean-doolittle-interview |website=Star Wars.com}} He also liked Rogue One{{Cite web |last=Doolittle |first=Sean |date=2016-12-19 |title=Superfan Sean Doolittle reviews 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/sean-doolittle-of-the-a-s-reviews-rogue-one-a-star-wars-story-c211843880 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} and Star Wars: the Last Jedi.{{Cite web |date=2017-12-26 |title=A mostly spoiler-free conversation with Sean Doolittle about 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/talking-the-last-jedi-with-star-wars-super-fan-sean-doolittle-c263984914 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} His fandom was part of his baseball career. He caught a cemeronial first pitch thrown out by Boba Fett at an Athletics game in 2013.{{Cite web |last=Chavez |first=Ray |date=2019-09-05 |title=Boba Fett throws out the ceremonial first pitch to Oakland Athletics' Sean Doolittle (62) as part of the Star Wars night prior the game against the Minnesota Twins at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. |url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/boba-fett-throws-out-the-ceremonial-first-pitch-to-oakland-news-photo/1172461803 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Getty Images |language=}} The Nationals gave away an "Obi-Sean Kenobi" bobblehead with Doolittle's face on it in 2019.{{Cite web |date=2019-06-07 |title=Sean Doolittle is excited about his Star Wars bobblehead |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/sean-doolittle-is-excited-about-his-star-wars-bobblehead |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He regularly carried a lightsaber to celebrate Nationals victories in the 2019 postseason.{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle R. |date=2019-10-02 |title='Star Wars' fanatic Sean Doolittle partied with a lightsaber after Nationals' wild-card win |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/10/nationals-brewers-wild-card-sean-doolittle-lightsaber-star-wars-videos |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today |language=}}{{Cite web |date=2019-10-09 |title=WSH@LAD Gm5: Doolittle celebrates, holds lightsaber |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/doolitle-on-comeback-lightsaber?msockid=2f95ed8e8df76845367df8e28c3169ff |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2019-10-15 |title=Sean Doolittle wields lightsaber, talks World Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/mlb-tonight-sean-doolittle |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

• 2018 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award{{Cite web |title=BFAOV 2018 Award Ceremony {{!}} Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation |url=https://www.actofvaloraward.org/bfaov-2018-award-ceremony |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Bfaovf |language=en}}
• MLB All-Star: 2014, 2018
• September 2017 MLB Reliever of the Month
• 2008 California League Mid-Season All-Star
• 2008 Arizona Fall League Rising Stars
• 2008 Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team{{cite web|title=AFL announces Top Prospects Team|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081204&content_id=3702693&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|work=MLB.com|access-date=April 19, 2014|date=December 4, 2008}}

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