Yankees' Bruce retires after 14 years in majors
New York Yankees outfielder/first baseman Jay Bruce has retired after 14 seasons.
"I've decided to make the very difficult decision to retire from baseball," Bruce announced Sunday. "All I ever wanted to be 'when I grew up' was a baseball player, and to say that I got to live out my dream would be the understatement of a lifetime. This sport gave me more than I could've ever asked for."
Bruce's retirement became official after Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. While he was available to play, he didn't get a plate appearance during the Yankees' 4-2 loss.
The team played a tribute video for Bruce on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard in the seventh inning. It featured a message of congratulations from his friend and longtime Cincinnati Reds teammate Joey Votto.
Farewell to Jay Bruce, with a brief video and some nice words from his close friend Joey Votto. pic.twitter.com/eJ50ygVI5p
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) April 18, 2021
The Reds, Bruce's team for nine seasons, added their own tribute on social media.
The 34-year-old played in 1,650 games while suiting up for the Yankees, Reds, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia Phillies. A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, he ends his career after posting a .781 OPS with 319 home runs and 951 RBIs.