News

Veteran Catcher Robinson Chirinos Announces Retirement After 11 Seasons

Veteran MLB catcher Robinson Chirinos announced his retirement on Twitter Wednesday after 11 seasons in the league. The Venezuelan catcher spent most of his career with the Texas Rangers but played for six teams between 2011 and 2022.

“With a happy, yet heavy heart, I am announcing my retirement from professional baseball,” Chirinos said. “After much contemplation and reflection, I have decided to close this chapter of my life. It has not been an easy decision, but I feel that it is the right one for me as I have given my heart and soul to this sport over so many years.”

Born in Venezuela, Chirinos signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2000 at the age of 16. He spent more than a decade in Chicago’s farm system until he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He made his MLB debut with the team but did not make the 2012 roster because of a concussion. He was later traded to the Texas Rangers where he played from 2013 to 2018 and again in 2020.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Over the course of his career, Chirinos batted .226 with 95 career homers, but these numbers are deflated by unsuccessful stints with the Mets, Cubs and Orioles later in his career. In his prime, he was a dependable bat for the Rangers and later the Houston Astros, hitting 17 home runs for the latter team in 2019 at age 35. He also caught Justin Verlander’s third career no-hitter that season.

In 2017 and 2023, Chirinos got to represent Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic. He thanked his nation’s baseball team, as well as all the MLB organizations he played for, in his sendoff message.

“Baseball has been more than just a game to me,” Chirinos said. “It has been my passion, my love, and my identity for as long as I can remember. From little league to the major leagues, I have spent my life pursuing my dream of becoming a professional baseball player.”

Patrick Moquin

Recent Posts

After Nuggets Fire Coach Michael Malone & GM Calvin Booth, Future Of Superstar Nikola Jokic Is In Question

The Denver Nuggets made a shocking move on Tuesday, firing Head Coach Michael Malone and…

5 hours ago

Grizzlies’ Rookie Jaylen Wells Takes Hard Fall, Leaves Game On A Stretcher

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells was taken off on a stretcher during the Grizzlies' 124-100…

6 hours ago

Luka Doncic Ejected For Trash Talking As Lakers Fall To Thunder 136-120

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been ejected for the fifth time in his career. The…

6 hours ago

VIDEO: Trump Meets Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani In Oval Office – ‘What A Guy!’

https://youtu.be/M_v_GJB3RcA The 2024 World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers attended the White House to meet President Donald Trump…

1 day ago

7’9” Florida Gators Player Olivier Rioux Cuts Down Net Without Ladder After Championship Win

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6FayWk9AMTc After the Florida Gators won the NCAA Championship on Monday, one very tall player…

1 day ago

After Florida Wins National Championship, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp ‘Distraught’ Over Epic Shot Not Taken

During the tournament, Florida had built up a reputation as comeback kids. Deficits of eight…

1 day ago