It has been suspected for quite some time, but Chris Carpenter made it official at a press conference in St. Louis today as the 38-year-old Cardinals starter announced that he is retiring as a pitcher. He was one of the best pitchers, and toughest competitors of our generation.
Carpenter, who started with the Toronto Blue Jays, really made his name after moving to St. Louis. He leaves with a career 144-94 record, a 3.76 ERA, the 2005 CY Young Award, and two World Series rings with the Cardinals (2006 and ’11).
“He’ll go down as one of the greatest we’ve ever had,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak in a statement posted on the club’s Twitter feed.
Carpenter did not pitch at the Major League level this season after yet another surgery to try to fix nerve damage in his neck and shoulder. He did try a comeback, but just couldn’t get enough velocity and control at the minor league level this season.
“When I think of Chris Carpenter, he embodies everything that you want out of a player,” Mozeliak said during the World Series. “To be on the DL all year but still want to be around and contribute the way he has speaks volumes about the type of person he is. We always knew he was a competitor, always knew he wanted the ball, always knew he’s a winner. But now we know he’s not only a winner and a great competitor, but a great mentor.”
Mozeliak previously stated that his door was open if Carpenter wished to discuss remaining in the Cardinals organization in a coaching or management position.
Meanwhile Mozeliak also announced that current manager Mike Matheny has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2017 season.
Matheny, who took over for legend Tony LaRussa in 2012 has managed the Cardinals to a cumulative 185-139 record in his two seasons at the helm of the club. The Cardinals advanced to the NLCS in 2012 and the World Series in 2013.
This upcoming season would have been the final year on Matheny’s original contract. This new deal extends his contract a further three years.
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Main Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
