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We'll always have your perfect 48 for 48 season, Brad.
Jayson Stark of ESPN tweeted this evening that Brad Lidge has informed his agents, Rex Gary and Jim Turner, that he plans to retire.
Lidge, 35, was a first-round pick from the Houston Astros. He spent 2002-2007 with the Astros, posting a 23-20 record with 123 saves. From there, he was traded to the Phillies where he pitched his perfect 48 for 48 season, striking out Erik Hinske for the last out of the 2008 World Series. Lidge will always be remembered for his performance that year, which reflects just how incredible that 2008 team was.
Lidge picked up exactly 100 saves in Philadelphia in his four-year stay. Plagued by injuries, Lidge's 2011 season in Philadelphia was his last, where he pitched in just 25 games as mostly a set-up man for Ryan Madson. After the 2011 season, Lidge was picked up by the Washington Nationals where he saw only 9.1 innings before being released from the team in late June.
Lidge remained available throughout the season, however, his injuries became too much of a risk for any team to sign him.
His career will be set with 225 saves, 799 strikeouts, 287 walks, 492 hits, and 237 earned runs for a 3.54 ERA.
I'm sure all of Philadelphia would like to thank Brad for his years as a Phillie, especially the remarkable 2008 season where he helped them win it all. I would like to think that Brad will be the first 2008 World Series Champion to have his name placed on the Phillies Wall of Fame.
Best of luck to Brad with whatever he pursues after retirement. Thanks, Lights Out Lidge.
