Former major league catcher Dustin Garneau took to Twitter this afternoon to announce his retirement. “Hanging them up. Thank you to everyone who had an impact on my career,” Garneau wrote. “To my wife for always being by my side through the ups and downs. To my agent (Marc Kligman) for always being there and making me a part of your family as well. And to my friends and family who were by my side.”
A 19th-round pick of the Rockies in the 2009 draft, Garneau reached the majors for the first time six years later. The Cal State Fullerton product broke into the big leagues just after his 28th birthday in August 2015. It marked the first of eight straight years in which he’d get to the highest level. Garneau was a prototypical depth catcher, never appearing in more than 41 MLB games in a season but donning six different uniforms along the way.
After two seasons in Colorado, Garneau bounced to the A’s on waivers. He’d find himself in the transactions logs fairly frequently thereafter, moving to the White Sox, Angels, back to the A’s and Astros through 2020. He returned to the Rockies on a minor league deal in 2021 but was dealt to the Tigers, with whom he spent the past couple seasons. That included eight games early this season, but he spent most of the year in Triple-A before reaching minor league free agency last week.
Altogether, Garneau appeared in 168 major league games. He hit .205/.285/.373 over 506 plate appearances, connecting on 15 home runs and 28 doubles. Six of those longballs came in a 20-game stint with Detroit in 2021. Over parts of eight Triple-A campaigns, the righty-swinging backstop was a .248/.329/.480 hitter. He played parts of 14 professional seasons. Best wishes to Garneau in all the best in his post-playing endeavors.
Got to play in parts of 8 seasons in the big leagues. I’m guessing coaching is probably in his future
Never had the chance to shine wasn’t good as a backup mostly,”.
Good luck on the future endeavors Dustin!
Will always be remembered for the Ramon Laureano corral/takedown.
Who?
baseball-reference.com/players/g/garnedu01.shtml
Please tell us about your major league career.
If you’re trying to be funny, let me tell you it’s just not.
I have been a baseball fan for over 40 years and my response when I saw the title to this article was also “Who?”, but not to mock or belittle Garneau, but because I honestly don’t ever recall hearing of this journeyman player before. It’s unfortunate some people automatically assume Jake1972’s comment “Who?” in response to this article is meant to be mean-spirited. Such pessimism tells more about their character than it does Jake1972’s character. When we are intentional about speaking only truth and responding to our situations in faith in God’s Word, our pessimism can change into optimism.
Look, if he’s going to post crap like that without taking two seconds to click the hyperlink and see the entire career of the person named in the article, then he has it coming. Take your Joel Osteen garbage somewhere else
DerekBellsMoistMoustache – Regardless of whether Jake1972 took the time to read such trivia, his brief response didn’t deserve the pessimistic and hateful responses it received. Your arrogant, harsh, and hate-filled chatter removes any question about your damaged psyche. Although Joel Osteen has nothing to do with my post, you would be well served to pursue Gods’ wisdom with the help of a Bible-based, Jesus-loving church and pastor. Such an endeavor will greatly help your ego-driven brokenness.
If you know nothing about a situation, best to remain silent instead of being shown to be ill informed.
Unfortunately my biggest memory of Dustin Garneau was from a Rockies/Reds game I attended. He was on 2nd and the batter got a hit that seemingly scored him. But he tripped going around third. he maintained his footing, but failed to touch third base. After a review he was called out and the Rockies lost by one.
Slow news night.
Wow this guy’s stats are pretty horrid. Why is his retirement even a story?
Why did you read and post on a non-story?
Another troll that can’t respond with substance but uses insults. Muted. Thanks for taking the time to reply though
Because he played in the MLB for more than just a cup of coffee, plus I’m guessing you just looked at his offensive stats; Garneau was a pretty solid defensive catcher.
Not a very noteworthy career I’ll agree. 15 HRs and 28 doubles in one seasons worth of ABs is pretty good for a catcher imo.
… says someone non-intelligent
just guessing….he’s probably got 2 million bucks free and clear in the bank, and no mortgage. perfect humble retirement
Met him a couple years ago working out at csuf. Very nice guy, met with every kid at the camp in 100 degree weather.
Guessing he will coach somewhere. Good luck to him
Good player great attitude. Tiger fan
Guy had some pop. 44 of 92 hits went for extra bases.
Good luck Dustin!
2015 Rockies had both Dustin Garneau and Justin Morneau. Not sure if they were ever in the lineup together apart from Spring Training, since Morneau was injured most of that season and Garneau was only called up late in the year.
Congrats to a guy who worked hard, got the most out of his ability, and got to spend a decent amount of time in the bigs.
Wish you well sir
Happy trails. Was cool having a Fullerton grad on the Angels when he was here.
Guys like Garneau make the best future manager candidates. He played Under Bud Black, Bob Melvin, Dusty Baker, AJ Hinch.. being a backup he learns game management especially being a catcher. Maybe he’ll take a couple years off to spend time with his family but I can see him coaching and having success.
Got to play professionally for 14 seasons. Only a dream for most. Dustin got to live it out.
Imagine the stories you get to tell along the way now. How many people touched him throughout those years. Different managers, coaches, teammates, club personnel.
Still young & ready for the next season God has planned for him. Lots of opportunities to influence others going forward.
Technically, he was more backup than depth. backup is a MLB roster guy who plays little, depth is a guy you hold in the minors and bring up for injuries.
All you are is Dustin the wind.