Grant Desme (born February 8, 1994) is an American former professional baseball player. He played as a first baseman and outfielder in the minor leagues and independent baseball, and was a highly regarded prospect within the San Diego Padres organization.
Early life and education
Desme was born in Inglewood, California, and attended Inglewood High School, where he excelled in baseball. He went on to play college baseball for California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) Tigers. During his collegiate career, Desme earned several accolades, including being named a First-Team All‑America by Baseball America in 2015 after a season in which he posted a .453 batting average with 27 home runs and 108 runs batted in (RBIs).
Professional career
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Draft and minor‑league debut: Desma was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round (132nd overall) of the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. He began his professional career with the Tri‑City Dust Devils (Class A Short Season Northwest League), where he posted a .309 batting average, 13 home runs, and 61 RBIs in 71 games.
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Progression through the Padres system: Over the next several seasons, Desma advanced through the Padres’ minor‑league affiliates:
- 2016 – Fort Wayne TinCaps (Class A Midwest League) and Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A‑Advanced California League), combining for a .252 average with 12 home runs.
- 2017 – Lake Elsinore Storm and San Antonio Missions (Double‑A Texas League), hitting .298 with 18 home runs and 91 RBIs.
- 2018 – San Antonio Missions, posting a .266 average with 19 home runs.
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Injury and release: In 2019, Desma experienced health issues, including a thyroid condition that required treatment and contributed to a reduction in playing time. The Padres released him from the organization in August 2019.
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Independent baseball: After his release, Desma signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the remainder of the 2019 season. He subsequently played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association in 2020 and 2021.
Post‑playing career
Following the 2021 season, Desma retired from professional baseball. He has since been involved in coaching and baseball development programs at the youth level in the Southern California area.
Personal life
Grant Desma is married and resides in California. He is known for his charitable involvement, including participation in community outreach events hosted by his former teams.
Summary
Grant Desme’s baseball career is notable for his exceptional offensive production at the collegiate level, his early promise as a top prospect within the Padres organization, and his subsequent transition to independent leagues before retiring from professional play.
