Left-handed pitcher Alex Wood announced his retirement from professional baseball this Friday, after 12 seasons in the Major Leagues. During his career, Wood achieved a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Wood, who was selected as an All-Star in 2017, shared the news through his social media, expressing his “immense gratitude” for everything he experienced in the sport. The 34-year-old player participated in seven postseasons throughout his career.
Wood’s decision comes after his time with the Oakland Athletics, where he had a 1-3 record with a 5.26 ERA in nine starts during the last season. The 6’4″ tall pitcher, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, amassed a 77-68 record with a 3.78 ERA in 278 games, spread across five different teams, including two stints with the Dodgers. Alex Wood was drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft by the Braves, after his time at the University of Georgia. His debut in the Major Leagues came a year later with Atlanta. His best season was in 2017, where he achieved a record of 16-3 with an ERA of 2.72 in 27 games with the Dodgers. After his stint in Cincinnati in 2019, Wood returned to Los Angeles and pitched four scoreless innings during the Dodgers’ World Series victory against Tampa Bay. He also played three seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Wood’s farewell message concluded with the following words:I never imagined it would turn out this way. Baseball was my first love. Aside from God and my family, nothing has shaped me like this game. Even writing this, I can’t help but smile when I think about how much I love this sport after all this time.
Alex Wood
Playing for five iconic franchises and being a part of those communities is something my family and I will always cherish. Cheers to what’s next! See you at the park! With love, Woody.
Alex Wood
