Los Angeles Dodgers infielder David Freese, the 2011 World Series MVP, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Saturday.
"Family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans that handed out support especially when your lives were already full, you helped more than you know," Freese said in a statement. "Padres, Cardinals, Angels, Pirates, and Dodgers. You took a 23-year-old kid out of college and pushed him to 36. Can't thank you enough for that. Needed it.
"Will never stop thinking about the days I got to be around such wonderful people playing this game. As I move forward with the next phase of my life, I am forever grateful to all of you and the game of baseball."
The 11-year veteran suited up for 1,184 games between the Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals.
The 36-year-old will be remembered most for his heroics in Game 6 of the 2011 Fall Classic, thanks to one of the most dramatic walk-off home runs in recent memory.
"We will see you tomorrow night."@david23freese announces his retirement after an 11-year career. pic.twitter.com/b6nHbUmgzN
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2019
Current major leaguers paid tribute to Freese following the announcement.
Definition of Clutch. Legend in the Postseason https://t.co/Os0OzyNZxU
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) October 12, 2019
Great teammate! An even better friend. Happy to have shared the field with you. When you hit that game winning homer in the 2011 playoffs, I was running around my house like I did it! Enjoy that next chapter of life. You deserve it https://t.co/0Uup1TpydU
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) October 12, 2019
Two of my favorite players and teammates, @david23freese & #BrianMccan announced their retirement this week. Thank you for the impact you’ve left on all of us. Congratulations, go live your lives.
— Gerrit Cole (@GerritCole45) October 12, 2019
Freese ends his career with a .775 OPS, 113 homers, and 535 RBIs. He made the All-Star team in 2012 as a member of the Cardinals.
