Troy Tulowitzki (12) during a workout early this season. Photo by Jason Schott. |
Troy Tulowitzki, the five-time All-Star with the Colorado Rockies who then went on to play for the Toronto Blue Jays and joined the Yankees at the start of this season, announced his retirement on Thursday.
The Yankees released the following statement from Tulowitzki:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player.
“For as long as I can remember, my dream was to compete at the highest level as a Major League Baseball Player … to wear a big league uniform and play hard for my teammates and the fans. I will forever be grateful for every day that I’ve had to live out my dream. It has been an absolute honor.
“I will always look back with tremendous gratitude for having the privilege of playing as long as I did. There is no way to truly express my gratitude to the fans of Colorado, Toronto and New York. They always made my family and I feel so welcome.
“I want to thank the Yankees organization and Brian Cashman for giving me the opportunity to wear the Yankees uniform and live out another childhood dream. I wish that my health had allowed for a different ending to that chapter.
“To the coaches, training staff and baseball executives who helped me in my career … I am incredibly grateful to all of you. To my teammates throughout the years, thank you for grinding with me. I truly value all the relationships that were built through this game.
“None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family and friends. To my wife, my son and my parents … you helped make my dreams come true. To my agent Paul Cohen and TWC Sports Management … thank you for taking care of everything. You all allowed me to play the game I love without distractions.
“While this chapter is now over, I look forward to continuing my involvement in the game that I love … instructing and helping young players to achieve their goals and dreams.
“I’m saying goodbye to Major League Baseball, but I will never say goodbye 2 the game I love. Thanks again 2 all of you!”
Tulowitzki played in five games for Yankees before suffering a left calf strain on April 3. The Yankees took a chance on the 34-year-old veteran after he missed the entire 2018 season with bone spurs in his right and left heels.
In 13 seasons, Tulowitzki hit .290 with a .361 on-base percentage, and a .495 slugging percentage. He hit 225 home runs and had 780 RBI.
The Santa Clara, Calif., native played his first 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies, making five NL All-Star teams (2010-11, ’13-15) and winning two Gold Gloves (2010-11) and two Silver Slugger Awards (2010-11) before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015.
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