Troy Tulowitzki emerges from Yankees obscurity to retire at age 34

After 13 MLB seasons, Troy Tulowitzki is calling it a career.

The Yankees infielder announced Thursday that his playing days are over.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player,” he said in a press release. “For as long as I can remember, my dream was to compete at the highest level as a Major League Baseball Player … to wear a big league uniform and play hard for my teammates and the fans. I will forever be grateful for every day that I’ve had to live out my dream. It has been an absolute honor.”

Tulowitzki signed with the Yankees in the offseason, but as was the case for much of his career, found himself plagued by injuries. He was limited to just five games in pinstripes due to a left calf strain. He last played on April 3.

“I want to thank the Yankees organization and Brian Cashman for giving me the opportunity to wear the Yankees uniform and live out another childhood dream,” he said. “I wish that my health had allowed for a different ending to that chapter.”

The 34-year-old shortstop spent nine and a half seasons with the Rockies after being the franchise’s first-round pick in 2005. While in Colorado, he was a five-time All-Star, winning a pair of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers in 2010 and 2011.

He was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 2015 season, though he struggled to stay healthy and was eventually bought out of his three-year, $38 million deal. He came to the Yankees after the two sides had flirted with the possibility of teaming up for some time, signing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.

Tulowitzki retires with 225 home runs, 780 RBIs a slash line of .290/.361/.495.

“While this chapter is now over, I look forward to continuing my involvement in the game that I love … instructing and helping young players to achieve their goals and dreams,” he said.

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