Troy Tulowitzki announced his surprising retirement from MLB on Thursday and hinted at a potential future in coaching.
Tulowitzki was released by the Toronto Blue Jays in December despite being owed $38 million. He signed with the New York Yankees, fulfilling a dream to play for them. However, things did not work out as both sides had hoped.
Tulo suffered a calf injury on April 3 and had not played since then. He was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list. He played in just five games and went 2-for-11 (.182) with a double, home run and two walks. The 34-year-old did not play in any games in 2018 and only played in 66 games in 2017. He mostly has dealt with debilitating heel and ankle injuries the last few years and underwent surgeries on both heels.
Here is Tulowitzki’s statement on his retirement. Towards the bottom, he hinted at a potential future in coaching.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player,” Tulowitzki said.
“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 made five All-Star teams, won two Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards, and helped the Colorado Rockies to the 2007 World Series. He was among the best shortstops in MLB from 2007-2015 when healthy. Injuries unfortunately hampered him throughout his career; he only played in 143 or more games three times during his career.
