After a long career that started with the Yankees and included a late stop with the Mets, David Robertson has thrown his final pitch.
The 40-year-old reliever announced his retirement Friday following 17 seasons and 881 games in the big leagues, during which he won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009, posted a 2.93 ERA and recorded 179 saves.
“I’ve decided it’s time for me to hang up my spikes and retire from the game I’ve loved for as long as I can remember,” Robertson wrote in a statement posted to social media. “Baseball has given me more than I ever dreamed possible over the last 19 seasons. From winning a World Series, to pitching in an All-Star game, to representing the United States and bringing home a World Baseball Classic Gold and an Olympic silver.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside amazing teammates, learning from outstanding coaches, and being welcomed into organizations that felt like family. To the trainers, clubhouse staff, front offices, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for all that you do. And to the fans who supported me, thank you, your passion fueled me every single day.”
The Alabama native said he was looking forward to being home with his family and focusing on their farms.
In parts of nine seasons in The Bronx — including a return there in 2017 following a midseason trade from the White Sox — Robertson appeared in 501 games.
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He made the All-Star team in 2011 while recording a 1.08 ERA in 70 games, and later succeeded Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera as the Yankees closer in 2014.
Robertson pitched for the Mets in 2023, posting a 2.05 ERA in 40 games before they dealt him to the Marlins in a trade deadline sell-off.
