OAKLAND, Calif. — Keith Lieppman, who spent 52 years in the A’s organization as a player, minor league manager, director of player development and most recently special advisor to player development, announced his retirement.

“For the five decades Keith worked for the A's, he brought passion, deep knowledge, kindness, and integrity to the field with him every single day. No one better embodies the spirit of this organization. Through his teaching and his leadership, Keith enhanced the careers and lives of countless A's players, coaches, managers, and staff. We're incredibly grateful that he shared so much of himself with this team, and incredibly proud to call him a friend. We will miss his daily presence dearly, and we wish him and his wife, Corinne, all the best in a well-earned retirement."  – A’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane and A’s General Manager David Forst.

Lieppmann played for nine seasons in the minors from 1971-79, managed for eight from 1980-87, and was director of instruction from 1988-91 before serving 28 years as the director of player development.  He spent the last three years as a special advisor to player development.

Lieppman was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022, received Baseball America’s Tony Gwynn Lifetime Achievement Award prior to the 2020 season, and was honored with the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award from Minor League Baseball in 2010 for “distinguished service and being instrumental in player development” during his career.

Lieppman is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism. He resides in Prescott, Ariz., with his wife, Corinne.