NEW YORK – Troy Tulowitzki, the former Colorado Rockies All-Star shortstop, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball Thursday after 13 seasons.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player,” Tulowitzki said in a statement released by the New York Yankees Thursday. “For as long as I can remember, my dream was to compete at the highest level as a Major League Baseball Player … to wear a big league uniform and play hard for my teammates and the fans. I will forever be grateful for every day that I’ve had to live out my dream. It has been an absolute honor.”
Tulowitzki spent the first nine years of his Major League career with the Rockies, finishing as runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting in 2007, when the Rockies made a World Series run, and making the All-Star game five times. He was the team’s first pick in the 2005 amateur draft and the seventh-overall pick.
His twice finished fifth in MVP voting – during the 2009 season in which he hit .297 with 32 home runs and 92 RBI, and during the 2010 season in which he hit .315 with 27 home runs and 95 RBI. He also earned Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger awards during both seasons.
Tulowitzki confirmed his retirement Thursday with Denver7’s Troy Renck.
“I will always look back with tremendous gratitude for having the privilege of playing as long as I did. There is no way to truly express my gratitude to the fans of Colorado, Toronto and New York. They always made my family and I feel so welcome,” Tulowitzki said in the statement released by the Yankees.
He said his next step would involve “instructing and helping young players to achieve their goals and dreams.” The University of Texas said Thursday afternoon that Tulowitzki will be an assistant baseball coach there.
Tulowitzki was traded to Toronto during the 2015 season, where he spent three seasons – appearing in 131 games in 2016.
He did not play in 2018 after dealing with injuries and slumps and was picked up by the Yankees for a league minimum contract in January.
Tulowitzki appeared in five games with the Yankees this season, getting two hits in 11 at-bats. According to SpoTrac, Tulowitzki will still earn $18 million over the next two seasons because of his contract with the Blue Jays.
“I’m saying goodbye to Major League Baseball, but I will never say goodbye 2 the game I love. Thanks again 2 all of you!” Tulowtizki said in a statement.
