Former Rockie Giambi retires

After 20 MLB seasons, Jason Giambi called it a career.

The former Athletics, Yankees, Rockies, and Indians slugger released a statement to the New York Daily News.

“After 20 seasons, I have decided to officially announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player.

“I really want to thank my wife, Kristian, for going on this journey with me. She’s always been my rock. She’s always been there for me with support and love, and I really couldn’t have done this without her. She’s been everything to me and I don’t think I can state in words how much she’s meant to me. I love you and thank you.

“To my two gifts from heaven, London and Tristan, Daddy’s coming home.

“I want to thank my dad, John, for teaching me this beautiful game and for all the hitting we did on the weekends. I want to thank my mom, Jeanne, for all the practices she took me to and for being the loudest voice in the stands. To my brother Jeremy, playing on the same team as him were two of my favorite years of my career. To my sister Julie, you were always there supporting me and loving me, and my niece, Jenna, who has always been there to support me. I love you.

“I also want to thank Arn and Nancy Tellem for always treating me like I was a part of their family. I love you guys so much and thank you. Also Joel Wolfe and Erin Estrada for all the support and love they gave me over my career, I love you guys.

“So many other people played a huge part in my career, so I also want to thank Ron Simms, Bobby Alejo, Tommy Bolin, Mark Phillipi, Marsha Utain and Barbara Reeder. I also want to thank Nike, Reebok, Oakley Sunglasses and Louisville Slugger for supplying me the tools of the trade all these years.

“Ever since I was five years old, all I ever wanted to be was a Major League Baseball player. The Oakland A’s, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians were a big part of helping that dream come true.

“To the managers, coaches and players, it’s been a tremendous honor sharing the field with you and thank you very much.

“To the writers, local and national, and to the broadcasters, I want to express my appreciation to the media for covering the game we all love.

“I want to thank the fans for being a part of this incredible journey. I especially want to thank the fans that gave me a second chance to let me show you the human being you see today.

“Lastly, to the game of baseball: I started playing you when I was a kid and I’m leaving you a man. Thank you.”

Giambi a former AL MVP and five time all star will be remembered as one of the more celebrated players in the MLB steroid era. Giambi finished his career with 440 career home runs, and a .277 batting average.

He was mainly a role player when he was in Colorado but was a great leader in the clubhouse and was even speculated to be in the running for the Rockies manager before Weiss was hired, and Giambi eventually departed for Cleveland.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the next time we see Giambi is in a managerial role somewhere.