Major League Baseball veteran left-hander Andrew Heaney has announced he is retiring after 12 seasons.
Heaney took to social media to make his announcement.
“Many people don’t get to the opportunity to leave home and travel to beautiful places, meet amazing people from so many different backgrounds, all while doing something that they love. I have. I’m extremely proud of what I achieved with that opportunity. Over 10 years of major league service time, three Roberto Clemente Award nominations, winning Game 4 of the World Series, and becoming a World Series champion in 2023, playing Major League Baseball has been a unique honor and privilege.
“I played with many of the greatest players of this generation and potentially some of the best players to ever wear a uniform. I’m humbled that I was even able to share the field with them. I was never an All-Star and definitely not a Hall of Famer, so I can only hope that I was great to each fan, player, coach, and staff member I got to be around. I’m so thankful for all of the people involved in making my career more successful than I ever dreamed. I will miss the game greatly, but all of my experiences and the lasting relationships have made me a better person. The routine of showing up to the yard every day and working to improve each time out has been a driving force for me the last 14 seasons.
“There have been challenges and sacrifices as well. Particularly being away from home and loved ones for long periods of time. But I am now ready to return my focus and energy to being a husband, father, family man and active member of my community. I’m retiring from baseball, but I hope to give back more than I received. Thank you to all of you for the love and support you have given me. Y’all know who you are.”
The 34-year-old played for six different teams but is best known as a Los Angeles Angel, where he played for seven seasons.
He went 56-72 with a 4.57 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 230 appearances (208 starts). Heaney made his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2014 and pitched in seven games as a rookie.
He then landed with the Angels, who made him a mainstay for several years until he was traded to the New York Yankees in 2021. The lanky lefty was a pivotal member of the Texas Rangers when the team won the World Series in 2023, even recording a win in the aforementioned Game 4 of that series.
Heaney spent one more season in Texas before finishing his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers (one game with LA).