Grant Desme hit 31 home runs and stole 40 bases in Class A last season, and as an encore, he was named most valuable player of the Arizona Fall League. The Oakland Athletics had plans to invite Desme, a 23-year-old outfielder, to spring training next month.

But Desme retired Friday to become a Roman Catholic priest. In a conference call with reporters, he said he would join St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, Calif., this August.

“I love the game, but I’m going to aspire to higher things,” Desme said. “I know I have no regrets.”

Desme, a second-round pick in the 2007 draft, told Oakland General Manager Billy Beane of his decision Friday and said Beane was supportive. Desme said his breakout season in 2009 had left him unfulfilled and confirmed his uneasy feelings about continuing with baseball.