They eloped and married in October 2017, just before the Washington Nationals headed into the postseason. Eireann Dolan is a writer and activist, and together they’ve built a relationship where baseball and social commitment walk hand in hand.
A Secret Wedding
Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan chose to marry away from the spotlight in October 2017, right in the middle of playoff season. It wasn’t a headline wedding: it was a private moment that reflected who they were as a couple. Doolittle, closer for the Washington Nationals, was in the heart of a crucial run, but he chose to share that intimate moment only with those who truly mattered. The news came out after they were already married.
Eireann Dolan: Writer and Activist
Eireann Dolan is more than just a ballplayer’s wife—she’s an independent voice in sports. As a writer and activist, she has driven concrete initiatives in her community. One of her most visible projects was organizing Pride Night for the Oakland Athletics, buying tickets to donate to LGBTQ+ community members after protests about inclusion. She also organized a Thanksgiving dinner with Syrian refugee families, taking her commitment beyond words into action.
The White House Visit They Declined
In 2019, when the Washington Nationals won the World Series, the traditional invitation to visit the White House arrived. Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan publicly declined. She explained her decision by citing the history of her refugee grandfather, making clear the consistency between their values and their actions. It wasn’t performative—it was a line they chose not to cross.
A Successful Career in the Big Leagues
Sean Doolittle reached the majors in 2007 with the Oakland Athletics and established himself as one of the most reliable closers of his era. He played for Oakland, Washington, and other teams, accumulating over 600 appearances in his career. His best season came in 2019, when he helped the Washington Nationals win the World Series—their first title since 1924. Doolittle was a crucial part of that championship bullpen.
| How They Met | Not public |
| Year They Started Dating | Not public |
| Wedding Year | October 2017 |
| Time Together (as of 2017) | Not public |
| Children | Not public |
| Her Occupation | Writer and activist |
FAQ
Why did they have a secret wedding?
Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan chose a private wedding in October 2017 with no advance announcements or media coverage. It was a personal decision that reflected their style as a couple.
Why did they decline the White House visit?
In 2019, Eireann Dolan explained that her decision was rooted in her grandfather’s history as a refugee and her personal values regarding inclusion and politics.
Which teams did Sean Doolittle play for?
Doolittle played primarily for the Oakland Athletics and the Washington Nationals, winning the World Series with Washington in 2019.
