Former National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez officially retired from baseball on Monday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com writes. Sanchez has been out of the game for a while but he was considering a comeback in recent years. Today’s news is probably more of a formality than anything; Sanchez’s name, after all, has not popped up on this site since February of 2013.
“I’m so thankful for what baseball [has] given me,” Sanchez told Crasnick through his agents. “I appreciate the opportunity the Red Sox, Pirates, and Giants gave me.”
Sanchez last played in 2011 with the Giants and played a little bit in their minor league system in 2012. Unfortunately, however, injuries to his shoulder and back ultimately led him to hang ’em up. Now, Sanchez has decided to retire for good and move on to other pursuits.
Sanchez, 38, made three All-Star teams over the course of his career. His crowning personal achievement came in 2006 with the Pirates when he hit .344 and narrowly edged out Marlins slugger Miguel Cabrera for the NL batting crown. In 2010, Sanchez captured a World Series ring with the Giants. In parts of 10 big league seasons, Sanchez slashed .297/.335/.413. According to Baseball-Reference, Sanchez earned upwards of $32MM over the course of his career.
I was at his last game, where he dislocated his shoulder – he was a good giant and will be missed – maybe we can see him around the park and clubhouse
Freddy was a huge part of the 2010 WS! Glad to have him as a Giant.
Enjoy retirement Freddy!
I fondly remember the days of Jack Wilson and Sanchez up the middle for the Pirates. If I remember correctly he was acquired from the Red Sox in a deal for Jeff Suppan
That’s right and Suppan was injured almost immediately after that trade, for the season, only to leave that off-season for the Cardinals I think
this guy was born with a club-foot, overcame and won a MLB batting title, that is freaking awesome!
I stand corrected he was 3-4 with a mid 5.00 ERA
Freddy Sanchez was my favorite for over 5 years. Glad he’s at peace with his decision. Still hope to meet him some day though!
Really good ball player. Enjoyed watching him play.
Freddy was my favorite Pirate during his time with the team!
I sure wish we had prime Freddy and Jack Flash Wilson. It was a shame to waste those row on those losing teams.
Those ‘two’ not ‘row’