Ex-Red Sox John McDonald Feels ‘Sense Of Accomplishment’ After Retiring

John McDonald’s major league journey spanned 16 seasons and eight organizations. Now, it’s all over.

McDonald, who announced his retirement this week, can kick up his feet and reflect on a career that was productive, if not illustrious. The longtime utility man made a good living out of steady defense, versatility and leadership, even winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

“I wish people could feel what I’m feeling right now — that sense of accomplishment,” McDonald told WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford this week. “I feel that I put an end on my career. That’s it. It’s over. Instead of wondering what I’m going to do, now I know I’m going to find something and I’m not playing anymore. It feels really good, and for the first time I can really reflect on my career for the first time.”

McDonald was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 12th round back in 1996. He played for the Indians, Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels before calling it quits. Suiting up for a surplus of organizations ensured McDonald enjoyed many different experiences throughout his career, but it also created a dilemma, as the infielder wasn’t entirely sure how to go about announcing his retirement.

In the end, McDonald turned to social media. The Indians, Blue Jays and Angels simultaneously released tweets announcing McDonald’s retirement at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. McDonald’s logic was that his career began with Cleveland, he made his biggest impact with Toronto and he finished his career with Los Angeles.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Indians/status/552902512252960768 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/552902512244559872 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/Angels/status/552902515063148545 align=’center’]

McDonald, a Connecticut native, hit .233 with 568 hits, 28 homers, 210 RBIs, 34 stolen bases and a .273 on-base percentage over 1,100 career games. The Providence product was known primarily for his glove work.

Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images