Long-time veteran starting pitcher, and former Phillie Bruce Chen, took to Twitter Monday evening to announce his retirement from the game of Major League Baseball.
Today, I would like to announce my retirement. For the last 22yrs I have been doing what I love for a living. I feel blessed and fortunate
— Bruce Chen (@ChenMusic) May 19, 2015
Chen, 37, went on to thank the 12 teams he donned jerseys for, as well as his supporting family members, which include his wife Mary and daughters Gabriela and Adriana:
"I would like to thank my wife, my kids, mom, dad and extended family for their support throughout my baseball career.
A special thanks to the Braves, Phillies, Mets, Expos, Reds, Astros, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rangers, Royals and Indians.
These last 22 years, I have played and faced the best players in the world, lived in great cities and made long lasting memories and friends. I am looking forward to spending time with my wife and kids in my new journey that begins today.
Thank you to all the fans for all the great memories. I am very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to pitch this long."
In 400 career appearances, 227 starts, Chen went (82-81) with a 4.62 ERA. He was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, after allowing three earned runs on seven hits in just 2.1 innings of work the night prior.
Chen signed as an amateur free agent in 1993 with the Atlanta Braves on July 1. He was acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies on July 12, 2000, along with left hander Jimmy Osting, in exchange for two-time All-Star right hander Andy Ashby.
As a Phillie, the Panama-native went 7-9 with a 4.28 ERA over 31 starts and 180.2 innings. He was later dealt to the New York Mets on July 27, 2001 as a part of the trade which brought eccentric relief pitcher Turk Wendell to the City of Brotherly Love.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
