Every home run belted by the Yankees is followed by broadcaster, John Sterling’s, unique calls, such as, “You’re on the mark, Teixeira.” or “He sends a Tex message…” for Mark Teixeira. But after this season, there will be no more Tex messages.
Yankees’ first baseman, Mark Teixeira announced his retirement today.
“Every kid playing wiffle ball in the backyard or playing little league, you dream of being a major league baseball player,” said Teixeira. “After 14 years, it’s time for me to do something else. After this season I’m going to retire and do something else. I got to live out my dream and had more success than I could have ever imagined. It felt like it was the right for me to step away from the game. I want to finish my season on a high note … I’m going to leave it all out there.”
Photo Courtesy of Gabe Rodriguez (Legends On Deck)
His heartfelt speech was taken in and he will be payed his respects especially by the Yankees themselves. If there’s one thing I can say about Teixeira or to him, it’d be thank you. Thank you for your years as a Yankee. Thank you for playing the way you played. The hustle and the passion put into each at bat and each play was unbelievable. I will forever be grateful for having seen Teixeira wear pinstripes.
In his emotional press conference, Mark talked about growing up and he thanked his dad for pushing him to where he is, but also letting him switch hit like his childhood idol Eddie Murray. As a switch hitter, Teixeira ranks among the best. Teixeira is only one of four switch-hitters in history with 400 doubles and 400 home runs, in the company of Murray, Chipper Jones, and Carlos Beltran.
The last few years have been filled with injuries for the 14-year-veteran. But Teixeira was always among the game’s best offensive and defensive first baseman– three All-Star teams, three Silver Slugger Awards and five Gold Glove Awards. Teixeira was a staple in the Yankees 2009 World Series season, he finished second in the MVP voting that year.
He is a .269/.361/.511 career hitter with 404 home runs, 1,836 hits and 1,281 RBIs in 14 seasons with the Rangers, Braves, Angels and Yankees.
Congratulations on an incredible career, Mr. Teixeira.
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