It seems only appropriate that Nomar Garciaparra retired as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
The organization, which I am convinced has no heart, rather a bottom line, extended a single-day contract to Garciaparra, which made him a Boston Red Sox/Sock. He immediately announced his retirement, calling a close to a wonderful career. Garciaparra is presently contracted to begin work as an ESPN analyst for the 2010 Major League Baseball season.
He was elated at the opportunity:
“From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston. While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform.”
A 1994 first-round draft pick, Garciaparra was awarded the 1997 American League MVP, playing in nine seasons for the Boston Red Sox. He won batting titles in 1999 and 2000, and was a key ingredient to the four-team trade that helped Boston to their 2004 World Series title. Unfortunately for Garciaparra, he had finished the season with the Cubs and was watching from home. A six-time all-star, Garciaparra retired with a .313 career batting average, 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
In a related story, every Dodger fan is thinking, “Maybe they’ll offer the same deal to Manny before the season starts!”
(Image via: Sports of Boston)
