In typical Jeff Bagwell fashion, there was little fanfare and few emotions.
a terrific 15-year career that could wind up getting him into the Hall of Fame.
Bagwell, arguably the greatest player in Astros history, announced his retirement from baseball at a press conference this morning, ending
“It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a great ride,” Bagwell said. “It really has.”
Bagwell’s retirement has been expected since his badright shoulder forced him off the field during spring training earlier this year. He never played in the regular season, and the Astros didn’t pick up his contract for 2007.
“I wish I could still play and try to win a World Series here in Houston but I’m not physically able to do that anymore,” he said. “That being said, I’m OK with that. Most of you that know me know I had a tough time the last four or five years with my shoulder, which took a lot out of me on and off the field.”
Bagwell will remain an integral part of the organization. He signed a personal services contract through the 2009 season in which he will work with the major league baseball operations staff and player development.
“For me personally, this is a sad day to see officially that Jeff is not going to be part of the Houston Astros playing first base and hitting home runs,” Astros owner Drayton McLane said. “He’s going to be continued to be involved with us. I think there’s more great things to come with Jeff Bagwell and the Houston Astros.”
Bagwell, 38, is a career .297 hitter with 449 home runs, 1,529 RBIs and 202 steals in 2,150 games. The 1991 National League Rookie of the Year and 1994 NL Most Valuable Player, he is the only first baseman and one of only 10 players to hit 400 homers and steal 200 bases.
The news of Bagwell’s retirement was felt in City Hall.
“The greatest hitter in Astros history may have hung up his spikes, but his home run trot keeps replaying in our best baseball memories,” mayor Bill White said in a statement. “As a ballplayer, a team leader and a great community-minded Houstonian we all appreciate having been witness to his career here. We look forward to his continued presence with our team, in our city . . . and in the Hall of Fame.”
Bothered by an arthritic right shoulder since 2001, Bagwell decided to have surgery midway through the 2005 season – a move he said was a last-ditch effort to save his career.
He returned to a pinch-hitting role later that season and started two games at designated hitter for the Astros in the 2005 World Series, but missed all of last season after not being able to endure spring training.
The Astros will head to court next year over the insurance claim they filed to recoup $15.6 million of his $17 million salary for 2006 because Bagwell was deemed disabled. Bagwell will receive a $7 million buyout for 2007.
Bagwell was one of the best firstbasemen out there. He'll be missed. I just wonder what Houston will do to replace him. It's a shame the indians can't trade Hafner to houston for something back. But if Hafner could actually play at first without whining like a little beatch, we wouldn't need to get rid of him.
I'm gladd too that he will stay with the Astros in some fashion. He really needed to go due to the injuries and the shoulder stuff, but yes, he was one of the best first base man there has been in a long time.
He is staying on and being an instructing coach or the like. He really struggled with his emotions when announcing his retirement.
I only wish I could retire at 38 and choose to do that.
If I'm not mistaken, the players' age was a topic of concern last year during the final stretch comming up to the playoffs. And I hear Pettit went back to the Yankees. I can't see Clemons doing too much in their future either. I think they'll be looking for some young talent sooner than later. Are there any prospects in the farm system?
I have a big feeling Clements will be going to Boston pretty soon. I doubt he will go back to the Yankee's because they wont let him just sit on the bench and play here and there like the Astros did. Clements can do that in Boston, draw another 5 or 6 mil for the season and then retire.
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"Take your hands off the car, and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."
The Rocket is another one that needs to hit the retirement and start coaching in some aspects.
Yes Pettitte went to New York, but thats also a big money thing there. the age thing goes a long way in sports, bodies can only be used and abused for so long, before it just gives.
Both Bagwell and Clements have used their bodies as much as they can, and they are bench warmers, and has beens (no disrespect, but if the arms and shoulders dont allow hits, and knees and ankles dont allow running ...)
Its better to leave in style and grace then have to. Now the Astros are going after insurance moneies that they took out in polices for Bagwell, and I bet that they have to fight hard. Signing someone with KNOWN injuries then having them sit all seasons like he did last year is not a great business or sports decision. That money could have been used to train and get others and he could have retired last year.
