Stephen Strasburg, renowned as one of the most formidable pitching aces of his generation, has formally declared his retirement from professional baseball.
Having spent his entire illustrious career with the Washington Nationals, Strasburg reached an agreement with the team permitting his retirement, which he subsequently confirmed in a personal statement: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from the game I love. I’ve come to the realization that despite my repeated efforts to return to pitching, injuries no longer permit me to perform at a Major League level.”
Reflecting on his journey, Strasburg expressed gratitude to the numerous coaches, teammates, and medical personnel who contributed to his success. He fondly recalled fulfilling his childhood dream of winning a World Series in 2019, acknowledging the unwavering support of fans in the DMV area.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the late Ted Lerner and his family, Strasburg expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Nationals throughout his career. Despite harboring a personal desire for more time on the field, he finds solace in knowing he gave his all to the team.
Strasburg’s retirement was met with support from Nationals’ owner Mark Lerner, who affirmed the pitcher’s enduring significance to the franchise and pledged to honor his contributions.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Strasburg leaves behind an impressive legacy, having appeared in 247 games with a career ERA of 3.24. He earned three All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award in 2012. However, his crowning achievement came in 2019 when he played a pivotal role in securing the World Series title for the Nationals, earning the MVP Award for his standout performance.
Strasburg’s career was unfortunately marred by injuries, with his last appearance on the mound dating back to June 2022. He had been grappling with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, ultimately undergoing surgery to alleviate his discomfort by removing a rib and two neck muscles.
As Strasburg bids farewell to the diamond, he leaves behind a lasting legacy as a stalwart of the Nationals and a cherished figure in the world of baseball.