News | My Sports

Napoli played on four different teams during his career as he spent time with the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox and Indians.

Mike Napoli retires from MLB after 12 seasons

Mike Napoli is ready to call it a career after 12 seasons in MLB as he announced his retirement Saturday.

In a lengthy letter posted on Twitter, the 37-year-old explained his decision while thanking everyone who helped him throughout his career.

"After much thought and consideration with my family, I have decided to retire from the game of baseball," Napoli wrote, in part. "I dreamed about playing baseball since I was a little kid growing up in Hollywood, FL and I was lucky enough to get paid to play a kids game for 18 years."

THANK YOU... pic.twitter.com/CzhaoU9YUH
— Mike Napoli (@MikeNapoli25) December 8, 2018

Napoli played on four different teams during his career as he spent time with the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox and Indians. He last played in the majors in 2017.

"The memories will last forever – my first big league homerun in May of 2006 with Los Angeles; behind the plate for the 2011 postseason with Texas and 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City; at first base for the playoff runs with Boston in 2013 and Cleveland in 2016; and the list goes on and on."

Napoli ends his career with a .246/.346/.475 slash line with 267 home runs and 744 RBI. He owned a career .228/.322/.396 line in the postseason and hit eight homers with 30 RBI in 66 games over the course of eight playoff runs. Napoli hopes he is remembered not only for what he did on the field, but also the impact he had on his teams.

"I hope to be remembered as someone who always tried to keep the clubhouse atmosphere light and inclusive, making sure that everyone was respected by his peers while leading by example, both on and off the field."

Napoli ended his letter with one more thank you as he explained he's looking forward to the future and his next venture.

"This is the end of my playing career, but the beginning of the next chapter in my professional life – one window closes and another one opens. I look forward to exploring opportunities in the baseball world as I plan to continue giving back to the game that has given me so much. Until then, again, thank you."

Top Headlines