9:15pm: WEEI’s Rob Bradford tweets that he spoke to Gomes himself tonight, who said that he is not retiring.
3:01pm: Veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes has decided to retire, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation. The colorful performer hangs up his spikes after a 13-year run in the majors.
Gomes, 35, last appeared briefly in Japan, and was said to be hoping to catch on with another major league organization. A suitable opportunity has evidently failed to materialize, however.
Since his debut in 2003, Gomes has compiled a .242/.333/.436 batting line in just over 4,000 plate appearances. He was always at his best against left-handed pitching, of course, as he hung a lifetime .855 OPS on opposing southpaws.
Gomes ended up playing for seven clubs in the majors after opening up with the Rays. He spent six years in Tampa Bay before moving on to the Reds in 2009 via free agency. After a brief stint with the Nationals, Gomes hit his second wind in a strong 2012 campaign for the A’s.
That season in Oakland is probably when the game was fully introduced to the bearded, tattooed, high-spirited platoon man that Gomes will surely be remembered as. He hit full stride the following year with the World Series-winning Red Sox, playing an important role on the club that extended beyond his solid on-field contributions.
Gomes never really put it together from that point forward, though he did still have use against lefties over 2014-15, which he spent in Boston, back in Oakland, and then with the Braves and Royals. Those, it seems, will be the last seasons of his career.
While he wasn’t on the post-season roster for Kansas City last year, Gomes did memorably brandish a large American flag at the massive celebration following the team’s World Series victory. That added yet another enduring image for a player who played the game hard and with notable verve. MLBTR congratulates him an a memorable run.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Great guy good luck
Could see Gomes getting into coaching. Seems absolutely loved by all his teammates.
I agree. It seemed like when he spoke up, people listened. Seemed like a very entertaining personality but also a leader.
If he shave that nasty beard or lease trim it could be a announcer for MLB next season
Too bad, he was a fun guy to watch on your team. He was a bit more of a mascot than a player at times.
Never understood why it was him saying that stuff at the parade last year. I’ll give him one thing, he was enthusiastic.
I’ll always remember his USA flag jacket he wore at the White House after the 2013 championship.
Played the game the RIGHT way. Left it all on the field every night. Got the very last ounce of talent out of his body. Players respected him and appreciated his leadership. Wished there were more guys like him in the game today. Nice career Jonny!!
We love you Jonny!! U da best!!!! So sad ur retiring!!
Love to see him getting into coaching one day. Probably one of the most beloved clubhouse players in the game. Gonna miss him! Good luck in your retirement!
Baseball has lost one of it’s greatest characters. Until he starts managing that is. Which he probably should.
via rob bradford, he isnt retiring
Sad to see ya go Jonny. Good luck!!!
Maybe I spoke too soon.
What? Well which is it?
Uh……. I guess I spoke too soon
Teenage reporters jumping the gun over at MLB Daily Dish
Is that you, Roger Clemens?
He should play for Atlanta again I liked his bat in the line up and also a great outfielder
I know it was a full year ago so it’s hard to remember, but he was terrible for Atlanta in the box and on the field.
BUT HE’S BAD AT BASEBALL!!!
The rarest of all players. A journey man who always rises to hero, when needed the most..
No matter where he goes, the fans and teams love him. A humble, funny guy……. you can’t take your eyes off. Gone, but not forgotten!
BR