Roy Halladay announces his retirement, ending a stellar 16-year career

Roy Halladay announces his retirement, ending a stellar 16-year career

After signing a one-day contract with the Blue Jays, Roy Halladay announces his retirement, ending a stellar 16-year career with a 203-105 (.659) won-loss record. The 36 year-old right-hander, who decided not to seek free agency after two injury-filled seasons with the Phillies, asked Toronto for the ceremonial contract to show his appreciation for the organization where he spent his first 14 professional seasons, having been drafted out high school as the team’s #1 pick in 1995 amateur draft.

Slugger Manny Ramirez, who signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in the off-season, announces his retirement after a failure to conform with Major League Baseball’s drug policy
|

Slugger Manny Ramirez, who signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in the off-season, announces his retirement after a failure to conform with Major League Baseball’s drug policy

Slugger Manny Ramirez, who signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in the off-season, announces his retirement after a failure to conform with Major League Baseball’s drug policy. After having been suspended for 50 games in 2009 because of PED use, he would have faced an unprecedented 100-game suspension if, as rumored, he has failed another drug test. The retirement under a cloud casts a doubt over his eventual election to the Hall of Fame­. He will change his mind in a few months and return to organized baseball in 2012, but fail to make it back to the majors.

OF Jim Edmonds announces his retirement for the second time

OF Jim Edmonds announces his retirement for the second time

OF Jim Edmonds announces his retirement for the second time, two weeks after signing a minor league contract with the Cardinals, because of an achilles tendon injury he sustained while trotting out a home run on September 21st in what turned out to be the last at-bat of his career. He had first retired after the 2008 season, then came back last year to play with Milwaukee and Cincinnati when he hit .276 with 11 home runs and 23 RBI.

Trevor Hoffman announces his retirement after 18 seasons

Trevor Hoffman announces his retirement after 18 seasons

Trevor Hoffman, who staked his claim as the all-time saves leader in the majors thanks to an outstanding change-up, announces his retirement after 18 seasons. He recorded his 600th save with the Brewers last season, and retires with 601, but had a tough year overall and found little interest in his services for next season. He will not hold the saves record for long, however, as Mariano Rivera has 559 and will pass him before the end of the coming season.

Randy Johnson announces his retirement, ending a 22-year career that began with the Montreal Expos in 1988

Randy Johnson, who won his 300th game with the San Francisco Giants last season, announces his retirement, ending a 22-year career that began with the Montreal Expos in 1988. The 6’10” lefthander amassed 4875 strikeouts, the second-most in major league history after Nolan Ryan, and pitched both a no-hitter and a perfect game while winning five Cy Young Awards.

New York Yankees Public Address announcer Bob Sheppard officially retires at the age of 99
|

New York Yankees Public Address announcer Bob Sheppard officially retires at the age of 99

New York Yankees Public Address announcer Bob Sheppard officially retires at the age of 99. Known as the “Voice of God,” Sheppard had been the Yankees PA announcer from 1951 to 2007 before his deteriorating health forced him to step down. He briefly returned in 2008 to announce the Yankees lineup for the final game at the old Yankee Stadium.

Mike Piazza ended his 16-year major league career after failing to receive a free agent offer.

Mike Piazza ended his 16-year major league career after failing to receive a free agent offer.

On May 20, 2008, Mike Piazza announces his retirement. A 12-time All-Star, Piazza hit .308/.377/.545 in 16 seasons after having been picked in the 62nd round of the amateur draft. He socked 427 home runs, with a record 396 home runs as a catches scored 1,048 runs and drove in 1,335 and set the all-time major…

Craig Biggio hit a grand slam to defeat the Dodgers after announcing retirement

Craig Biggio hit a grand slam to defeat the Dodgers after announcing retirement

On July 24, 2007, At a press conference, an emotional Craig Biggio announces he will retire after this season, bringing his 20 year-old career as the longest-tenured player in Astro history to an end. The newest member of the 3,000 hit club, the only player in All-Star history to appear in the game as a…