Call it a going-away parade.
Dodgers pitcher Daniel Hudson announced America’s pastime was henceforth his pastime just minutes after Los Angeles claimed its eighth World Series title in franchise history Wednesday night.
“This was the only reason I came back— to go out on top,” Hudson told the Orange County Register. “And that’s what’s happening,”
Indubitably.
The Dodgers’ claimed Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday by putting up a five-spot during the Yankees’ no-good, very-bad fifth inning and tacking on two more in the eighth.
Hudson, 37, was seen warming up in the bullpen late in the game but did not enter.
Had the reliever closed out the Yankees, he would have become the first pitcher in baseball history to finish two World Series for two different teams, per CBS Sports.
In 2019, Hudson delivered a 12-pitch bottom of the ninth with a 6-2 lead to secure the Washington Nationals their first World Series in franchise history, defeating the Houston Astros in seven games.
The two-time World Series champion and one-time silver slugger award winner began in the pros as a member of the Chicago White Sox in 2009. He had some success as a starter with the Arizona Diamondbacks but was slotted into a relief role in 2015.
Across a career spanning 15 seasons, Hudson also pitched for the Nationals, Padres, Blue Jays and Pirates. He finished his career with 547 appearances, a 3.74 ERA and a 2.95 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Injuries took their toll throughout his tenure.
Hudson’s transition from starter to reliever came on the heels of two Tommy John surgeries — one in 2012, then another after he tore his UCL in 2013.
Nearly a decade later, in 2022, he suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
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Hudson cited the issues caused by these wounds as part of the reason for his retirement.
“I can’t make it another 162,” he told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
In his final career appearance — Wednesday’s Game 4 of the World Series — Hudson came on in relief in the bottom of the third inning and surrendered four earned runs on two hits, one of which was Anthony Volpe’s grand slam.
It’s Hudson, though, who goes out on top.
