Former MLB Pitcher Dietrich Enns Completes Degree While Playing Professionally
In the competitive world of professional baseball, where focus on the game often takes precedence, former MLB pitcher Dietrich Enns has achieved success both on and off the field by completing his management degree at Northeastern University.
Enns, who was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2012 and made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2017, had always kept education as a priority. When the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty in 2020 while he was with the Seattle Mariners, Enns decided it was time to finish his degree.
“No one knew what was happening. If my playing career was over, I needed to finish my degree quickly,” Enns recalled. He reached out to Northeastern University, which helped him register for classes and transfer credits from his previous studies at Central Michigan University.
What makes Enns’ achievement particularly impressive is that he continued his baseball career while studying, playing in an independent league, signing with the Tampa Bay Rays, and even completing his final class while playing professionally in Japan.
“It’s tough because so much effort is in the day-to-day on the field,” Enns explained. “I was able to compartmentalize and get into school mode and baseball mode and then budget time for family and friends.”
Now a father to a daughter born in May, Enns credits his baseball experience with teaching him the discipline and focus needed to succeed academically. He’s keeping his options open for the future, considering coaching, front office roles, or possibly pursuing an MBA.
Enns encourages other players to reach out to university staff about continuing their education.
“It’s a lot easier than you might think,” he said. “Northeastern did a great job of helping me answer questions, which made an easy transition to transfer credits and finish classes at a pace that worked for me.”
