Tag: retirement
Former Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw announces retirement from baseball
Former Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw is calling it a career. The 32-year-old took to Twitter on Monday evening to officially announce his retirement from baseball.
"For the last eight years, I've been blessed with to live my childhood dreams of playing Major League Baseball," Shaw wrote. "But today, that dream comes to an end! 12 years ago, being a 9th-round pick, I would never have imagined what this game provided me. The memories will last a lifetime. To everyone that made an impact on my career (the list is endlessly long), I will forever be indebted to you! As this chapter closes, the only two words that come to mind is THANK YOU!"
The son of longtime reliever Jeff Shaw, Travis was originally selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Kent State. While the Ohio native was not heralded as a premier prospect, he gradually worked his way through Boston's farm system and made his major-league debut at the age of 25 in May 2015.
Shaw proceeded to put together a solid rookie campaign, as he batted .270/.327/.487 with 10 doubles, 13 home runs, and 36 RBIs in his first 65 games (248 plate appearances) with the Red Sox. While being dubbed "The Mayor of Ding Dong City" by fans, Shaw slashed .242/.306/.421 with 34 doubles, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs in 145 games (530 plate appearances) the following year.
That September, however, there was a falling out of sorts between Shaw and then-Red Sox manager John Farrell following the promotion of top prospect Yoan Moncada, who cut into Shaw's playing time. Three months later, Shaw and two others were traded to the Brewers in exchange for reliever Tyler Thornburg.
Thornburg was marred by injuries and appeared in just 41 games in three seasons with the Red Sox. Shaw, on the other, hand broke out in Milwaukee by clubbing 31 homer runs in 2017 and putting up a career-best 32-homer campaign in 2018 as the Brewers' everyday third baseman.
Beginning in 2019, though, Shaw's production began to dip. The left-handed hitter was limited to just 86 games due in part to a right wrist strain and struggled to the tune of a .157/.281/.270 slash line before being non-tendered by Milwaukee that December.
After spending the COVID-shortened 2020 season with the Blue Jays, Shaw returned to the Brewers in 2021. He got off to another tough start and was placed on release waivers that August. The Red Sox then claimed Shaw, who provided the club with a bit of a spark off the bench. He most notably hit a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning of an 8-4 win over the Rangers on Aug. 23.
Shaw got into five games during Boston's run to the American League Championship Series that October. He spent four months on the open market before returning to the Red Sox on a minor-league deal last March and making the Opening Day roster out of spring training.
To start the 2022 season, Shaw went 0-for-19 with zero walks and seven strikeouts in his first seven games. He was designated for assignment on April 29 and went unclaimed on waivers, thus becoming a free agent again. After not landing with another team last year, Shaw has ultimately decided to hang up his cleats.
All told, Shaw was a lifetime .237/.319/437 hitter with 127 doubles, three triples, 114 home runs, 366 RBIs, 310 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 733 career games (2,690 plate appearances) between the Red Sox, Brewers, and Blue Jays. He saw playing time at first base, second base, third base, and left field as part of an eight-year tenure in the big-leagues.
(Picture of Travis Shaw: Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on January 16, 2023 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags Baseball, boston, mlb, red sox, retirement, travis shawLeave a comment on Former Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw announces retirement from baseball
Falmouth native Steve Cishek announces retirement from baseball
East Falmouth, Mass. native Steve Cishek has officially announced his retirement from baseball.
Cishek, who spent this past season with the Nationals, made the announcement in a recent conversation with Rich Maclone of The Enterprise News. He also took to Instagram to reflect on his time in pro ball earlier Friday evening.
"It's time," Cishek told Maclone. "It's gotten harder for me to bounce back game-to-game. The ball wasn't coming out as crisp as before, and it felt like I had to pitch differently. I know I'll get the bug and want to get back out there, but I don't think I'm pulling a Tom Brady."
Cishek, now 36, attended Falmouth High School and was originally selected by the Marlins in the fifth round of the 2007 amateur draft out of Carson-Newman University (Jefferson City, Tenn.). The sidewinding right-hander broke in with Miami in 2010 and led the club in saves in back-to-back years (2013 and 2014) before being traded to the Cardinals in July 2015.
After a brief stint in St. Louis, Cishek signed a two-year deal with the Mariners. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound reliever registered 25 saves in his first season with Seattle but was dealt to the Rays ahead of the 2017 trade deadline. An impressive stint with Tampa Bay (1.06 ERA in 26 outings) netted Cishek a two-year deal with the Cubs that December.
Cishek saw the only postseason action of his career while with the Cubs, as he made an appearance out of the bullpen in the 2018 National League Wild Card Game against the Rockies at Wrigley Field. He got the only batter he faced to ground into an inning-ending double play in a game that Chicago ultimately lost, 1-0, in 13 innings.
At the conclusion of the 2019 campaign, Cishek elected to take his talents to the South Side of the Windy City by signing with the White Sox. He struggled to the tune of a 5.49 ERA in 22 appearances (20 innings) for Chicago during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and was released from his contract that September.
Cishek inked a minors pact with the Astros last February but was cut loose before the end of spring training. He quickly latched on with the Angels and wound up producing a 3.42 ERA in 74 games (66 1/3 innings) for the Halos in 2021.
As a result of last winter's lockout, Cishek did not sign with the Nationals until March. He posted a 4.21 ERA with 74 strikeouts to 27 walks over 69 appearances (66 1/3 innings) for Washington.
All things considered, Cishek forged a respectable 2.98 ERA and 3.49 FIP to go along with 743 strikeouts across 737 total relief appearances between the Marlins, Cardinals, Mariners, Rays, Cubs, White Sox, Angels, and Nationals over the course of a 13-year major-league career in which he recorded 133 total saves . His 94 saves with Miami rank third all-time in franchise history, while his 737 career appearances are tied for the 87th-most on MLB's all-time list.
"I don't have anything to complain about," Cishek said. "I had a good career. I had a lot of fun and got to play with some amazing teammates."
Having grown up a Red Sox fan, Cishek said he dreamt of pitching for his hometown team at some point in his career. Despite the two sides being linked to one another in the past, that opportunity never fully materialized. Cishek, did, however make seven career appearances at Fenway Park and held opposing hitters to a .579 OPS against over 6 2/3 cumulative innings of relief.
With his playing days now behind him, Cishek will get the opportunity to spend more time with his wife, Marissa, and their three daughters. He told Maclone that he might get into coaching down the road and plans on getting in touch with the pitching coaches at Cressey Sports Performance in Hudson.
"I never had any issues with my arm," said Cishek . "I owe a lot to those guys. Cressey is a big reason for that."
According to Maclone, Cishek has enjoyed the longest playing career of any big-leaguer from Cape Cod to date. We certainly wish him the best in his future endeavors.
(Picture of Steve Cishek: G Fiume/Getty Images)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on December 30, 2022 December 30, 2022 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags Baseball, boston, falmouth, mlb, red sox, relievers, retirement, steve cishekLeave a comment on Falmouth native Steve Cishek announces retirement from baseball
Former Red Sox Cy Young winner Rick Porcello retires from baseball
Former Red Sox pitcher Rick Porcello has officially announced his retirement from baseball.
Porcello, who last pitched in 2020 and turns 34 later this month, made the announcement in a conversation with WEEI's Rob Bradford at David Ortiz's charity golf tournament in Florida over the weekend.
"This is Rick Porcello," he said during an appearance on the Bradfo Sho Podcast. "I want to tell all the listeners I'm retired. Thank you for all the great memories, and thanks for everything."
The Red Sox originally acquired Porcello from the Tigers in a December 2014 trade that sent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to Detroit. Boston signed the right-hander to a four-year, $82.5 million contract extension (that did not take effect until 2016) before the start of the 2015 season.
In his debut season with the Sox, Porcello struggled to the tune of a 4.92 ERA and 4.13 FIP over 28 starts (172 innings). The following year, he broke out by going 22-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 3.40 FIP across 33 starts (223 innings) en route to beating out former teammate Justin Verlander for the 2016 American League Cy Young Award.
After surpassing the 200-inning plateau again in 2017, Porcello played a key role in helping the Red Sox win a World Series in 2018. He led the club in innings pitched during the regular season (191 1/3) and produced a 5.32 ERA in five appearances (three starts) during the postseason.
Porcello's final season in Boston was one to forget (5.52 ERA in 32 starts). Still, the reliable righty forged a 4.43 ERA and respectable 4.13 FIP to go along with 852 strikeouts to 211 walks over 159 starts (964 innings) in five seasons with the Red Sox. Only three pitchers (Max Scherzer, Verlander, and Zack Greinke) accrued more innings than Porcello during that four-year stretch.
Coming off a disappointing end to his time with the Sox, Porcello inked a one-year, $10 million deal with the Mets in Dec. 2019. As the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the length of the 2020 major-league season to just 60 games, Porcello yielded a 5.64 ERA and 3.33 FIP in 12 starts (59 innings) for New York. He became a free agent again that winter and went unsigned.
"There was a lot of personal stuff I probably don't want to get into, but I think the bottom line was that I was very fortunate to have the years I had in the big leagues," Porcello told Bradford. "I think COVID lent some perspective on my life. I wanted to be with my family. I wanted to get back into that type of lifestyle and be around them because every year that you're gone is another year where your parents are getting older, and your brothers are getting older. I think COVID impacts a lot of people like that."
When asked if he garnered interest from teams following the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Porcello responded: "There was some interest but I had two (expletive) years back-to-back so not that much interest."
Originally selected by the Tigers with the 27th overall pick of the 2007 amateur draft out of Seton Hall Preparatory School in New Jersey, Porcello debuted with Detroit less than two years later. He retires having gone 150-125 with a 4.40 ERA and 1,561 strikeouts in 12 seasons between the Tigers, Red Sox, and Mets.
Shortly after Porcello made his announcement official, the Red Sox made sure to wish him well on social media.
"A Cy Young Winner & World Series Champ," the club's official Twitter account tweeted on Monday. "Congrats on a great career and best of luck in retirement, Rick."
(Picture of Rick Porcello: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on December 5, 2022 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2018 world series, Baseball, boston, cy young award, mlb, red sox, retired, retirement, rick porcelloLeave a comment on Former Red Sox Cy Young winner Rick Porcello retires from baseball
Former Red Sox fan favorite Brock Holt retires from baseball
Former Red Sox fan favorite Brock Holt is calling it a career. The 34-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday afternoon to officially announce his retirement from baseball.
"Damn it that was fun," Holt wrote. "For parts of 10 years I got to do the only thing I ever wanted to do…play Major League Baseball. Today I hang them up knowing I did the best I could for me, my family, and my teammates. I'm proud of every single second of it. If you were a part of it at any point…know that I love you and I am forever grateful! We had one hell of a ride."
Originally selected by the Pirates in the ninth round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Rice University, Holt first broke in with Pittsburgh towards the tail end of the 2012 season. That December, he and veteran reliever Joel Hanrahan were traded to the Red Sox in exchange for four players, including Mark Melancon.
Holt would spend the next seven seasons in Boston, gradually establishing himself as a versatile and valuable utility player. In 2014, he finished eighth in American League Rookie of the Year voting. The following year, he hit for his first career cycle and made his first career All-Star team.
From 2016-2018, Holt helped the Red Sox win three straight American League East titles. During Boston's memorable World Series run in 2018, the left-handed hitter hit for the first (and only) cycle in MLB postseason history in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium.
In his seven seasons with the Red Sox, Holt played every defensive position besides pitcher and catcher. Off the field, the native Texan was Boston's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award on four separate occasions thanks in part to his work as the Red Sox' Jimmy Fund captain.
After reaching free agency at the conclusion of the 2019 campaign, Holt signed a one-year deal with the Brewers the following February. But he was limited to just 16 games with Milwaukee during the COVID-shortened season before being designated for assignment that August. He finished the year with the Nationals and made his return to an empty Fenway Park later that summer.
Last February, Holt signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers and made the club's Opening Day roster out of spring training. While his .579 OPS left much to be desired, he made one appearance as a pitcher against the Athletics on Aug. 7 and threw the slowest pitch to be called a strike in an MLB game since the league began tracking pitches in 2008. It was a 31.1 mph first-pitch eephus that got Josh Harrison looking.
Holt once again became a free agent last winter before inking a minors pact with the Braves in March. The deal included an invite to major-league spring training, but Holt ultimately asked for and was granted his release when he realized he was not going to make the team out of camp.
While Holt was unable to latch on with another club this past season, he did keep himself busy. In June, he paid a visit to Fenway Park to reconnect with some old teammates. In September, he was a part of NESN's pre- and postgame coverage as a studio analyst while the Red Sox were in Cincinnati for a two-game series against the Reds.
Now that he has officially retired from playing baseball, Holt very well could be in NESN's future plans for 2023 and beyond. As noted by MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, the network has previously discussed bringing on Holt as part of its Red Sox coverage moving forward. Whether that coverage comes from the studio or broadcast booth has yet to be determined.
In the meantime, Holt is planning on running the Boston Marathon in 2023. He and his wife, Lakyn, will run to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute next April.
All told, Holt steps away from the game as a veteran of 10 big-league seasons. He collected 621 career hits and clubbed 25 home runs over 751 total games between the Pirates, Red Sox, Brewers, Nationals, Rangers. A career .262 hitter, Holt's accolades include one All-Star selection and two World Series championships in 2013 and 2018. He was also a well-respected teammate and is still to this day adored by Red Sox fans.
(Picture of Brock Holt: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2018 world series, 2022 season, Baseball, boston, brock holt, fenway park, mlb, nesn, red sox, retirementLeave a comment on Former Red Sox fan favorite Brock Holt retires from baseball
Former Red Sox outfielder Tate Matheny announces retirement
Former Red Sox minor-league outfielder Tate Matheny announced his retirement from the game of baseball on Monday afternoon. He made the announcement through a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
A post shared by Tate Matheny (@tatematheny22)
The son of former major-league catcher and current Royals manager Mike Matheny, Tate was selected by the Sox in the fourth round of the 2015 amateur draft out of Missouri State University. After signing with Boston that summer, the St. Louis native made his pro debut for the Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League.
By the end of the 2019 season, Matheny had made it as far as the Triple-A level. The COVID-19 pandemic may have put Minor League Baseball on hold in 2020, but the right-handed hitter was able to work his way back into the fold in 2021.
Between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester last year, Matheny batted .242/.323/.450 (107 wRC+) with 16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, 36 runs scored, nine stolen bases, 29 walks, and 92 strikeouts over 78 games (269 plate appearances) while seeing time at all three outfield positions. He perhaps most notably robbed Buffalo Bisons shortstop Kevin Smith of a home run when Chris Sale was making a rehab start for the WooSox at Polar Park in late July.
OH MY TATE MATHENY pic.twitter.com/gbUqeFbFoP
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) July 31, 2021
Matheny, who turned 28 earlier this month, became a minor-league free agent at the conclusion of the 2021 campaign. It took some time, but he ultimately decided to hang up the cleats after spending all seven years of his professional career with the Red Sox organization.
"I don't know how to even start this post I just have so much to be thankful for," Matheny wrote in part on Instagram earlier Monday. "This game has brought me so many gifts. The friends I've met, the lessons I've learned, have come from this game but it's time to say goodbye."
As for what he has planned next, Matheny wrote: " I am nothing but grateful for what this game has given me! I can't wait for the next chapter in our lives!"
For his minor-league career, which spanned 562 games and 2,239 plate appearances across five different levels, Matheny slashed .250/.311/.368 to go along with 502 total hits, 104 doubles, 19 triples, 32 homers, 243 RBIs, 285 runs scored, 87 stolen bases, 168 walks, and 604 strikeouts.
In terms of personal accolades, the 6-foot, 180 pounder was named the Red Sox' Minor League Base Runner of the Year in 2017. He was also recognized by Baseball America as the top defensive outfielder in Boston's farm system entering the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons.
While it is unclear what Matheny has in store for this next phase of his life, it should be interesting to see if he follows in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in coaching.
Regardless of that, we at Blogging the Red Sox wish Matheny and his family the best moving forward.
(Picture of Tate Matheny: Katie Morrison/MassLive)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on February 21, 2022 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2021 season, Baseball, boston, mike matheny, minor league free agent, mlb, mlb draft, portland sea dogs, red sox, retired, retirement, tate matheny, worcester red soxLeave a comment on Former Red Sox outfielder Tate Matheny announces retirement
Red Sox' Chaim Bloom on Dustin Pedroia's retirement press conference: 'Every young player who comes into our organization should watch this, and just see how he talks about how he got after his craft'
Earlier this week, Dustin Pedroia retired from baseball after 17 years with the Red Sox organization.
The 37-year-old infielder took approximately 37 minutes to field questions from reporters during a Zoom press conference on Monday. And while he said it will likely be a while before he considers a return to baseball in a full-time, non-playing capacity, it appears that his words could already be making an impact on the Red Sox.
That being the case because in his presser, Pedroia spoke of the way he approached everyday of his baseball career from the time he was a young child until the time he was a veteran big-leaguer.
"There was a reason why I was the first one dressed at 5:30 for a 7 o'clock game," Pedroia said Monday. "The biggest thing in my mind was, 'This could be my last game. You don't know.' And that's the way I approached it from Little League on. I played every game like it was my last one. I had the best time playing… I never took one play off from Little League on."
These words, as well as plenty of others from the former American League MVP resonated with many, including Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. He said as much himself during a virtual town hall event earlier Thursday afternoon.
"If you didn't get a chance to watch his press conference, go watch it," Bloom said of Pedroia. "I was watching this and I said, 'Every young player who comes into our organization should watch this, and just see how he talks about how he got after his craft.' That's what we want from every young player. The things he cares about: preparing, working hard, being the best teammate and winning. That's really what it's all about."
As far as the role Bloom and Co. envision for Pedroia in the future, the CBO said that topic was one of the first topics touched upon when the two sides discussed how the four-time All-Star's career would come to a close.
"It's still early, and as he said really eloquently in his press conference, he's going to prioritize family, and especially those three boys, right now," stated Bloom. "But, as we were navigating this retirement, we started the conversation with him. He knows we want him to be involved. It's really a question of figuring out what works for him in a way that's going to be really productive for the organization."
Now that Pedroia has retired, the Red Sox would obviously like to celebrate the longtime second baseman's career in ceremonial fashion at Fenway Park this coming season.
The only thing preventing that from happening is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which will presumably place a limit on how many fans can attend Red Sox home games in 2021.
"We will absolutely appropriately celebrate Pedey," team president and CEO Sam Kennedy said of the club's plans to honor Pedroia. "But, we have to do it when we have a packed house, or at least have some fans back. He deserves that, and I know fans want to see him.
"I just would echo exactly what Chaim said," Kennedy continued. "What an incredible role model, spokesperson, someone you want to try and emulate. If you have a young person playing any sport, the work ethic, the commitment, the passion, you can't teach that. He was an original. Such an important part of everything that's gone on here the past 20 years. Really looking forward to the day when we can welcome him into the organization in some capacity. But, I don't think it will be for a while. I think he really wants to be home and be with his family, and he's privileged to be in a position to do that. So, we'll be patient.
For now, Pedroia — even without taking on a full-time role within the organization — will still play an important part for Boston moving forward in 2021 and beyond.
Just ask Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
"He'll be facetiming a lot of people. We know that," Cora said with a smirk. "He's still going to be a presence, obviously. With everything that is going on, whenever we get him back at Fenway it's going to be a fun day. He will always be welcome. Nonstop texting, calling people, helping players out. He's going to be a big part of what we are trying to accomplish not only this year but the upcoming years… This guy, the last two years, three years, has been very important to the program, and that's not going to change."
(Picture of Dustin Pedroia: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on February 5, 2021 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2021 season, alex cora, Baseball, boston, chaim bloom, dustin pedroia, mlb, press conference, red sox, retirement, sam kennedyLeave a comment on Red Sox' Chaim Bloom on Dustin Pedroia's retirement press conference: 'Every young player who comes into our organization should watch this, and just see how he talks about how he got after his craft'
Dustin Pedroia wishes he could take field one more time for Red Sox, but has no regrets about how playing career ended
Dustin Pedroia's last game in a Red Sox uniform came on April 17, 2019 against the Yankees in the Bronx. He went 0-for-1 with a flyout to right field before being removed in the middle of the second inning.
At the time, there likely was no chance Pedroia envisioned that would be the last time he would step on a major-league diamond as a player, but after officially retiring from the game after 17 years as a professional on Monday, it is.
Ideally, it would have been nice to see the 37-year-old icon get a sendoff at Fenway Park at some point this coming season. Something that would have been similar to the one Mets legend David Wright got at Citi Field in 2018.
But, things happen. And Pedroia's body, or more specifically his left knee, prevented that from happening given the fact that the former American League MVP is no longer in playing shape.
"Obviously, I would love to play," Pedroia said when speaking with reporters via a Zoom call earlier Monday. "I'd love to put the uniform on and be able to play. You got to understand, [Red Sox fans] are the best fans ever. On a Tuesday night, or whatever, there's 37,000 people there going crazy. And I got a chance to do that for as long as I did. To do it one more time? Yeah, of course. I would do anything to have that opportunity.
"But, I can't. I can't run," he continued. "That part will always hurt me. I wish I had one more time, but I don't regret anything. It is what it is, I'm OK. Now I just have to have everything that I've learned and built up and all the energy I have, I have to give it to other people now. And that's how I can help, but I'm OK."
In regards to the energy he has to give to other people now, Pedroia, who won three World Series titles in his 14-year major-league career with Boston, further elaborated by speaking of what he can offer the next generation of young athletes, which surely includes his three sons, Dylan, Cole and Brooks.
"Now, I just want to be healthy," said the four-time All-Star. "I want to impact the younger generation with the stories I have and the things that I've gone through and the adversity that I've dealt with. That's what I'm supposed to do now, and I look forward to it."
As far as being celebrated at Fenway Park for being one of the more iconic players in Red Sox history, Pedroia's time will come. It just won't come as an active player.
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on February 1, 2021 February 1, 2021 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2021 season, Baseball, boston, david wright, dustin pedroia, fenway park, legends, mlb, red sox, retirementLeave a comment on Dustin Pedroia wishes he could take field one more time for Red Sox, but has no regrets about how playing career ended
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia announces retirement from baseball after 14 big-league seasons
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has announced his retirement from the game of baseball, the team announced earlier Monday.
Thank you for every…
Laser Hit
Double Play Turned
Hop at Second
Filthy Jersey
Electric Soundbite
World Series Championship pic.twitter.com/Kq4x6Ra5n7
Pedroia, 37, spent 14 major-league seasons with Boston and 17 with the organization as a whole after being selected by the club in the second round of the 2004 amateur draft out of Arizona State University.
The Woodland, Calif. native won three World Series titles with the Sox in addition to being named American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and American League MVP in 2008. He also won one Silver Slugger award, four Gold Glove Awards, and was named to four American League All-Star teams.
4x Gold Glover
4x All Star
3x World Series Champion pic.twitter.com/Yg2tJUxNGb
Across 1,512 games in a Red Sox uniform from 2006-2019, Pedroia accrued a .299/.365/.439 slash line to go along with 140 home runs, 725 RBI, and 138 stolen bases over 6,777 career plate appearances.
Injuries had hindered Pedroia's time on the field recently, though, as he had appeared in just nine games dating back to Opening Day 2018 on account of undergoing three separate knee surgeries.
Even while sidelined, however, Pedroia's passion for the game — and to help his team — remained.
"Through championships and injuries, Dustin's disciplined approach never wavered," Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. "His work ethic is incomparable, and we saw him attack his rehab during the last chapter of his career with the same intensity he approached the batter's box in his prime. I know hanging up his spikes is not an easy decision for a competitor of his caliber. We are fortunate to have had him in a Red Sox uniform for so long and look forward to welcoming him back to Fenway Park to celebrate his career."
Forever a Red Sox pic.twitter.com/5kRRI0L7yQ
Among all-time franchise leaders, Pedroia ranks 11th in games played, 10th in runs scored (988), eighth in hits (1,805), sixth in doubles (394), and sixth in stolen bases.
Listed at just 5-foot-9 and 170 lbs., Pedroia played with a certain kind of passion that enthralled those around him; teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Whether it be hustling down the line, sprawling for a hard-hit groundball, or coming up with a clutch, late-inning hit, "the Laser Show" was as captivating as they come.
𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙒 pic.twitter.com/QdMRzWpWUx
"From the first day we shared the field until today, the love, passion and enthusiasm for the game has not changed," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of Pedroia, his teammate from 2006-2008. "It has been a pleasure to watch you grow as a player, teammate, husband and father. You have impacted our organization like few others and I live proud of you."
A post shared by Alex Cora (@ac13alex)
Pedroia, who was entering the final year of the eight-year, $110 million contract extension he signed with Boston in 2013, will still receive the $12 million he was due to make in 2021.
A press conference regarding Pedroia's announcement will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. eastern time Monday afternoon, so stay tuned for that.
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on February 1, 2021 February 1, 2021 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags 2021 season, alex cora, Baseball, boston, dustin pedroia, franchise history, legend, legendary career, mlb, red sox, retirement, sam kennedy, second basemenLeave a comment on Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia announces retirement from baseball after 14 big-league seasons
Red Sox' Dustin Pedroia Suffers 'Significant Setback' With Left Knee
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has reportedly suffered a 'signigficant setback' with his left knee, according to The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.
Breaking news: #RedSox 2B Dustin Pedroia has suffered what sources say was a significant setback with his left knee.
His availability for at least spring training is questionable. Pedroia is discussing his options with his family, agents, and the Sox.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) January 21, 2020
This news comes at a disappointing time, as it appeared that Pedroia was aiming to be ready for the start of the 2020 season as recently as this past November, when he was set to meet with Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and general manager Brian O'Halloran at his home in Arizona while the two were in town for the yearly GM meetings.
Fast forward a little more than three months later, and it seems as if the 36-year-old is now facing a life-altering decision based off Abraham's reporting above. Usually, when family, agents, and the team are involved, I would have to assume retirement is a potential option here.
It sucks. It really does. What happened in Baltimore on April 21st, 2017 forever altered the course of what looked to be a Hall of Fame career for Pedroia. Since the end of that 2017 season, the California native has played in just nine total games while undergoing three different procedures on his left knee.
Pedroia still has two years and approximately $25 million remaining on the eight-year, $110 million extension he signed with Boston back in July 2013, a deal that was worth well below his market value at the time.
For now, we'll have to monitor if either of Pedroia or the Red Sox make a statement regarding this matter. While we wait and see on that, I just want to make one thing clear: Dustin Pedroia should do what is best for Dustin Pedroia. Whether that be to step away or keep trying to play, he has earned the right to make the decision he feels is best for him and his family. I wish him nothing but the best going forward.
Author Brendan CampbellPosted on January 21, 2020 January 21, 2020 Categories Baseball, Sports, UncategorizedTags arizona, Baseball, boston, brian o'halloran, chaim bloom, dustin pedroia, hall of fame, left knee, legend, mlb, red sox, retirementLeave a comment on Red Sox' Dustin Pedroia Suffers 'Significant Setback' With Left Knee