John McDonald finally is hanging up his cleats.
The journeyman infielder — who spent 16 seasons in the majors and suited up for eight teams, including the Boston Red Sox — announced his retirement Wednesday in a coordinated effort from four ballclubs with which he spent time. The Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels all sent out the same tweet at the same time, announcing the news in a pretty cool way.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Indians/status/552902512252960768 align=’center’]
[tweet https://twitter.com/Dbacks/status/552902511896457216 align=’center’]
[tweet https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/552902512244559872 align=’center’]
[tweet https://twitter.com/Angels/status/552902515063148545 align=’center’]
McDonald broke into the bigs with the Indians in 1999 and spent seven years in Cleveland. He also played seven years with the Blue Jays, took the field in Arizona for two seasons and ended his career with one season with the Angels. He spent time with the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies, too.
Known for his defensive prowess, the 40-year-old played most of his career at shortstop, but he also spent some time at second base and third. He wasn’t exactly a force at the plate, compiling a .233/.273/.323 career batting line, but his defensive skills and hustle kept him in the majors for more than a decade and a half.
The New London, Conn., native also ends his career with a World Series ring, as he received one with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. He had two hits in eight at-bats for the Red Sox after an Aug. 31 trade to Boston and didn’t play in the postseason.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
