Thanks for your time Johnny Helmet: Olerud informs Sox he's retiring

[riverside sluggers]

Olerud tells Red Sox he's retiring

 

December 6, 2005

DALLAS (AP) -- First baseman John Olerud, a soft-spoken former batting champion and two-time All-Star, has retired after 16 seasons, the Boston Red Sox said on Tuesday. Olerud, 37, was an All-Star in 1993 and 2001 and a .295 career hitter with 255 home runs and 1,230 RBIs in 2,234 games. He has played for Toronto (1989-96), the New York Mets (1997-99), Seattle (2000-04) and the Yankees (2004). He won Gold Gloves in 2000, 2002 and 2003. Olerud won the AL batting title in 1993 with a .363 average and helped Toronto win its second consecutive World Series title.

 

He had surgery in November to repair torn ligaments in his foot and was on crutches until January. He signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox on May 1 and went from extended spring training to a minor-league rehab. He batted .289 in 87 games for Boston last year.

[Cityofchampions33]

He was a great player with a great career, luckily we had him for one season. Good luck with wjatever goes on with ya Olerud.

[26 to 6]

was nice to have him in pinstripes for the time we had him.

[26 to 6]

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6254/olerudposada1lj.jpg

[yankeessuck013]

I gotta say red is his color

 

http://cache.boston.com/images/sports/redsox/2005/olerud_homer_800600.jpg

[riverside sluggers]

Rotoworld: Free agent John Olerud has decided to retire, according to The Associated Press. The Red Sox had been looking to re-sign Olerud and maybe have him split time with Kevin Youkilis at first base. Since that's not an option, maybe they'll give Roberto Petagine the chance he's deserved. Or they could bring in someone like Hee Seop Choi or J.T. Snow.

[yankeessuck013]

I'd still offer him arbitration. Just to keep that option open a little longer in case he changes his mind.

 

He is a Class Act, we need more guys like John Olerud in MLB.

[ksushi]

I met Olerud, I saw him in front of the Boston Public Library just after the playoffs had ended, like a couple days after, I said "You're John Olerud" and he looked at me like I told him something he already knew. I did, but still. He's the man.

 

Great having, I advocated John Olerud every day. Still do, good guy.

[Sox fan in Tex]

Thanks for the time, Helmet Man. Without you, we would have been stuck with Kevin Millar ALL the time.

[eZ_d0eS_iT]

a real classy, professional player that didnt bring any baggage to work. he will be missed...wow, sounds like a eulogy, kinda creepy. lol.

[ImissPedro]

Truly a class act in every aspect, I met him out in chicago during the Cubs series, didn't hesistate for a second to sign an autograph either, Baseball could use more guys like John Olerud in their dugouts. Enjoy your retirement Johnny O, you've earned it.

[MC Hammer]

Thanks for the memories John. I grew up watching him play and no matter if I loved or hated the team he was on I always had respect for him. Enjoy retirement.

[Bostons_Finest]

i say put him in the hall

[Sizzlin22]

I liked him, he had the occasional HR once in awhile, it's his time to go though.

[Soxfan1]

i think he deserves a spot i the hall. I remember when I won tix on this forum. That game he had an awesome dive to get an out. I didn't have to put up with Millar.

[Sizzlin22]

He'll probabaly be in the Hall, he hit the hell out of the ball when he was with Toronto. I don't know if he'll make it though.

[ahhchon]

i don't see how olerud will be in the hall if people don't plan on voting palmero in.

 

john

[riverside sluggers]

Huh, how so? People are choosing not to vote for Palmeiro because he is a cheater and had even lied to congress about it.

[ahhchon]

Huh, how so? People are choosing not to vote for Palmeiro because he is a cheater and had even lied to congress about it.

 

palmero being tested positive for steriods means one thing. he was using steroids in 2005. it doesn't mean he was using it his whole career. not that i doubt he wasn't, but i have ZERO proof. facts hold up, assumptions don't. it'll be a shame if palmero doesn't make it, roids or not, especially is olerud makes it, which he won't.

 

john

[yeszir]

He's not a hall of famer, but he was a damn good player.