Former MLB All-Star Pitcher Announces His Retirement

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On Monday, MLB relief pitcher Darren O'Day announced his retirement.In a post on Twitter reflecting on "a wild voyage that I never dreamed I'd get to experience," the 40-year-old announced his choice.

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The demands on my time, energy, and mind have finally surpassed my enthusiasm for the game, according to O'Day. "I didn't know if I could compete in MLB when I started in 2006,

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but I was determined to keep going until someone told me I couldn't. I'm hoping that my experience may serve as motivation for everyone out there who approaches things a bit differently."

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O'Day recalls being rejected by the NFL after a walk-on season at the University of Florida.

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The right-hander tricked hitters with an unconventional sidearm delivery even though he infrequently touched 90 mph on the speed gun.

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With a 2.59 lifetime ERA over 15 seasons with seven different teams, he uncharacteristically developed into one of MLB's most dependable relievers.

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O'Day has 644 appearances, which is the most of any pitcher still in the game.O'Day was selected for the 2015 All-Star Game after finishing the year with a 1.52 ERA

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and a career-high 82 strikeouts in 65.1 innings. From 2012 to 2015, he was a dominant setup man for the Baltimore Orioles, compiling an ERA of 1.92.

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O'Day's unorthodox career came to an end in 2022 when he pitched 21.1 innings with the Atlanta Braves and gave up 10 earned runs.

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I feel myself blessed because I got to meet so many different people along the way, O'Day said. "Playing for six teams is a blessing.

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