Eldred calls it a career
November 28th, 2005
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Cal Eldred has announced his retirement from the game.
“I don’t mind the effort,” Eldred said. “I enjoy the workouts, the pitching and the competition. And I’ve enjoyed the success the team’s had. But there’s also a price my family pays and I pay, and it’s just no balancing out. At 38, I don’t think that’s going to change.”
Despite missing 56 games with a viral infection this year, Eldred posted a stellar 2.19 ERA in 31 appearances, and it seems like he still has the ability to play.
But baseball isn’t the most important thing in Eldred’s life. He’s a strong Christian and his family is a priority, and Eldred figures it’s time to walk away from the game.
I’m sorry to see him go. My interview with him last spring was one of the best conversations I’ve had with a player, and I left thoroughly impressed with Eldred. I always enjoyed cheering for him. Best wishes to him in his retirement.