Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher makes surprising decision to retire
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson has called it a career.
Veteran relief pitcher Erik Swanson, who was released by the Blue Jays earlier this year, announced his retirement Thursday.
Swanson, 32, was traded to the Blue Jays by the Seattle Mariners in November 2022 for outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
He pitched for the team over the next three seasons, until he was released in June with a 15.19 ERA in six appearances.
Swanson expresses gratitude to all those who helped him throughout his career
In a post on Instagram, Swanson expressed how thankful he was to his family, agents, teammates, coaches, medical staff, clubhouse managers, and everyone else in between who made his life and family's life easier.
"I am so incredibly grateful that I have parents who always supported me, no matter what I needed or when I needed it. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today he wrote."
"This game took me to places I don't think I could have ever guessed I'd be. It gave me cities to call home and people to call family. It's incredible how many relationships this game has brought into my life. From lifelong friends up in Toronto and Winnipeg, to friends in big cities like Seattle and small towns like Hickory, NC, and all the other little stops In between. It's pretty amazing how a simple game can bring so many amazing people into your world."
"My time in this game was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way and to all those who supported me."
Swanson retires after 246 appearances in a seven-year career that began with the Mariners in 2019. He went 11-16 with a 4.20 ERA (99 ERA+).
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