Andrew Heaney, a pitcher who clinched a World Series championship with the Texas Rangers, has called time on his professional baseball career at the age of 34.
A Career Spanning Over a Decade
The Oklahoma-born left-hander made the announcement on his social media accounts on Sunday evening, marking the end of a 13-year journey in Major League Baseball. Heaney, who played for six different franchises, most recently concluded a second spell with the Los Angeles Dodgers in September.
In a lengthy and reflective statement, Heaney expressed profound gratitude for his time in the sport. "Many people don’t get 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," he wrote. "I have."
Highlights and Humble Reflections
Heaney listed the pinnacles of his career with pride, including:
- Over a decade of major league service time.
- Three nominations for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.
- Pitching and winning Game 4 of the 2023 World Series.
- Ultimately becoming a World Series champion with the Rangers last year.
Despite these achievements, Heaney remained characteristically modest. "I was never an All-Star and definitely not a Hall of Famer," he noted, adding that he hoped he was "great to each fan, player, coach, and staff member" he encountered. He described the honour of sharing the field with "some of the best players to ever wear a uniform."
From Draft Pick to Champion
Heaney's professional path began when he was selected in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins, receiving a substantial $2.6 million signing bonus. He made his major league debut in 2014 before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels that December, where he remained until 2021.
Subsequent chapters of his career included stints with the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, before his move to Texas proved fateful. The 2023 season with the Rangers was a career highlight, where he made 32 appearances, starting 31 games. His victory in Game 4 of the World Series was a defining moment.
Focus Turns to Family and Community
Looking ahead, Heaney signalled a clear shift in priorities. "I am now ready to return my focus and energy to being a husband, father, family man, and active member of my community," he stated. While retiring from the game, he expressed a desire to "give back more than I received."
Concluding his message, Heaney wrote, "I will miss the game greatly, but all of my experiences and the lasting relationships have made me a better person." His retirement closes the book on a respected career that culminated in the sport's ultimate prize.
