After 16 Seasons, Mike Piazza Calls it Quits

He may not be on a team this season, but Mike Piazza, the greatest offensive catcher in the history of baseball, announced his retirement today. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 amateur draft, Piazza spent time with the Dodgers, Marlins, Padres, A's and eight seasons with the New York Mets. The 39-year-old Piazza retired with a .308 career average, 427 home runs and 1,335 RBIs.

In a statement released through his agent Dan Lozano, Piazza thanked all those that helped with his career, including several members of the Mets organization (owner Fred Wilpon, former GM Steve Phillips, John Franco, Al Leiter, managers Bobby Valentine, Art Howe, and Willie Randolph -- the list is long) which he played for from 1998-2005. Piazza saved his final thanks to the fans, especially those in New York:

But I have to say that my time with the Mets wouldn’t have been the same without the greatest fans in the world. One of the hardest moments of my career, was walking off the field at Shea Stadium and saying goodbye. My relationship with you made my time in New York the happiest of my career and for that, I will always be grateful.

In addition to Piazza's full statement, the Daily News found a fan video from his final day with the Mets.

Despite his deficiencies behind the plate, Piazza was a 12-time All-Star that made the National League team 10 seasons in a row starting in 1993. Five years from now, expect a bust of Piazza in Cooperstown.

Photo by Kenji Takabayashi/MLB.com

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By tien mao in News on May 20, 2008 5:05 PM

Comments [rss]

MaiaW

Well done, 31. Enjoy the next chapter!

steveballmer

Have a good retirement guy! You did Gooood!

TKaisen

but I doubt he'll make it. He was certainy one of the most notable power hitters as a catcher, but his defense was horrendous.

The HOF voters couldn't care less about defense. Ask Keith Hernandez.

And as was pointed out: he was fine behind the plate, he just had a really bad arm.

sonyactivision

When he lost his mustache. he lost his mojo..cautionary tale for future Hall Of famers.

Kevin Walsh

Piazza made the Mets a pennant contender when he arrived in 1998 (I attended his first game as a Met vs Milwaukee). For once, the Mets acquired a player in his prime (remember Willie Mays, Gil Hodges, Warren Spahn et al).

Mike supplied many thrills during his Met career (remember his HR that put the Mets ahead in that 9-8 victory over the Yankees at Shea in 1999) and the game-winning blast in the Met's first game at Shea after 9/11/01 vs. the Braves.

Thanks, Mike Piazza.

www.forgotten-ny.com

petemac

#5 He wasn't horrendous... he had a bad arm... but he could block balls, handled pitchers well and called a good game.

EricGewiz

He should be considered on the first-ballot he's available for, but I doubt he'll make it. He was certainy one of the most notable power hitters as a catcher, but his defense was horrendous.

Jen Chung

Aw, that's a really nice thank you to New York.

Vertigone

babyhitler a yankee fan? that would make sense.

Vertigone

Mike is pure class.

babyhitler

who the fuck gives a shit? The Mets are where great players go to die. It's the elephant graveyard of teams. I feel bad for Johan Santana.