Russ Springer has pitched in 740 total games for ten different teams since making his big league debut in 1992, and is finally ready to hang up his cleats. The 42-year-old tells Bob Tompkins of the Alexandria Daily Town Talk that for the first time in his career, retirement "feels right."
"Last year when I thought I was going to retire," Springer said. "I had a desire to go to the gym. This year, I've had no pull towards going to the gym. I'm totally content to be with the family. There comes a time when you can ask only so much of your body physically, and you've got to stop beating it up."
Springer enjoyed the best stretch of his career pitching for the Cardinals in 2007 and 2008, recording a 2.24 ERA and 8.6 K/9 in 116 1/3 innings over the two years. The right-hander signed with the Reds last summer, but only appeared in two games before a hip injury ended his season prematurely. For his career, Springer posted a 4.52 ERA and earned over $15MM, according to Baseball-Reference.
I also have no desire to go to the gym, so I feel ya, Russ.
Enjoyed your 2nd time with the Redbirds.
*crickets*