1st openly gay active MLB-affiliated player retires at 22

David Denson is calling it a career after four seasons in the minors.

The first active player within a Major League Baseball organization to come out as gay announced Monday that he's retiring in order to pursue a career in personal training.

"I want to thank all of you for the amazing love and support over the years. But my baseball journey has come to an end," Denson posted on Facebook. "Even though my baseball journey has ended, a new door is opening and I will continue to push forward!

"I am now pursuing a career as a personal/athletic trainer. I will be taking all that I have learned and I would love to give back and teach others!"

Denson was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2013 draft. He spent last season in Single-A, hitting .212/.308/.335 with 10 home runs, 19 doubles, and 128 strikeouts in 114 games.

The 22-year-old came out in 2015 while with the Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League.

"Talking with my teammates, they gave me the confidence I needed, coming out to them," Denson said in 2015. "They said, 'You're still our teammate. You're still our brother. We kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability. You're still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don't treat you any different. We've got your back.'"