Matt Barnes has made his goodbye to baseball official.
The longtime Red Sox reliever announced his retirement on Sunday after 11 years pitching in the big leagues — with the first nine of them coming in Boston.
“When I look back at my baseball career, there isn’t a single I would change,” Barnes, 36, wrote on Instagram. “I was able to live out not only my dream, but the dream of so many kids who pick up a baseball hoping one day they’ll hear their name called. For that, I’ll be forever grateful… baseball gave me more than I ever could have imagined.”
Barnes, a Bethel, Conn. native, was selected in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Red Sox after starring at UConn.
He rose up the minor leagues until he was a September callup for Boston in 2014.
Barnes was a solid-late inning reliever for the Red Sox throughout most of his career, which included a 2021 All-Star selection when he had a dominant first half and finished the season with a 3.75 ERA over 60 appearances.
Barnes most noteworthy accomplishment with the Red Sox, though, was his dominant appearances with the Red Sox in the 2018 World Series when he helped the team win a championship.
Barnes allowed one run over 8 2/3 innings and picked up two victories in seven appearances as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, Astros and Dodgers on the way to a World Series crown.
“To the Red Sox organization. Thank you for believing in a kid from Connecticut,” Barnes said. “You gave me the opportunity to wear one of the most iconic uniforms in sports, and I will always cherish that.
“Winning a World Series in Boston and experiencing Fenway Park as my home are memories I’ll carry the rest of my life.”
Barnes was designated for assignment before the 2023 season and pitched his final two seasons for the Marlins and Nationals. Barnes was designated for assigned early in the 2024 season and elected for free agency but did not catch on with another team.
Barnes and his wife Chelsea have one son and posted a sonogram photo two weeks ago announcing that another child was on the way.
“Most importantly, to my family,” Barnes wrote after thanking those in the baseball world. “Thank you for every sacrifice, every late night, every move, every setback, and every celebration. None of this would have been possible without your unconditional love and support.
“Baseball has given me lifelong friendships, incredible memories, and lessons I’ll carry forever. As one chapter closes, I’m excited for what’s ahead. Thank you, baseball. It’ll always be a part of who I am.”
