Former Red Sox free agent minor-leaguer Tate Matheny announces his retirement on his Instagram
'I am nothing but grateful for what this game has given me! I can’t wait for the next chapter in our lives'
Former Red Sox minor-leaguer Tate Matheny announced his retirement from baseball on his personal Instagram.
The son of current Royals manager Mike Matheny was drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round back in 2015. Matheny joined the Sox organization that summer and made his debut for the Lowell Spinners.
Matheny rose through the system and by 2019, he made it to the Triple-A level. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the 2020 minor league season. Last season, Matheny split time between Double-A Portland and the WooSox.
Matheny batted .242 with 10 home runs and drove in 39 RBIs over 78 games in 2021. During the 2021 campaign, Matheny made a memorable catch during one of Chris Sale’s rehab assignments at Polar Park.
The 28-year-old would rob Buffalo Bisons shortstop Kevin Smith of a home run. The catch went viral on social media and was one of the WooSox memorable moments from their first season playing at Polar Park.
Matheny was a minor-league free agent this offseason but ultimately decided to walk away from the game. The outfielder spent his entire seven year professional career in the Sox organization.
“I don’t know how to even start this post I just have so much to be thankful for,” Matheny wrote on his Instagram earlier Monday. “This game has brought me so many gifts. The friends I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, have come from this game but it’s time to say goodbye.”
Matheny did not detail what is next for him post-baseball. He would write on Instagram, “I am nothing but grateful for what this game has given me! I can’t wait for the next chapter in our lives.”
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
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