SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 01: Tim Hudson #17 of the San Francisco Giants waves to the crowd after being taken out of the game in the third inning of their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at AT&T Park on October 1, 2015 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After giving up a single to Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick in the top of the third on Thursday, it was a wrap for San Francisco Giants starter Tim Hudson, not just for the day but for his impressive 17-year career.
Following Kendrick's hit, manager Bruce Bochy came out to the mound to take the ball from him one last time. Fans in attendance at AT&T Park were on their feet and clapping their hands as soon as Bochy ascended the dugout steps.
"It was a little emotional," Bochy said. "It's a special moment. I just wanted him to take it all in and enjoy it."
Hudson tipped his cap to Giants fans as he departed the mound, and was greeted by each one of his teammates, who were lined up for him outside of the dugout.
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The 40-year-old righty finishes his career with a 222-133 record and a 3.49 ERA, logging 3,126 2/3 innings since his major-league debut with the Oakland A's in 1999.
"It's been a fun ride. I've been very blessed to have a career as long as I have," Hudson reflected after being taken out of the game. "By no means did I ever expect to pitch 17 years in the big leagues."
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When asked what he'll miss most about playing baseball, Hudson mentioned the camaraderie with his teammates.
"Those are the things that when you're out of the game that you just can't get back," he said. "The things in the locker room, the jokes in the training room, the plane rides, the team dinners. Those are things that you can't get back after you're gone. … Those relationships and those moments in the locker room are things you can't get back."
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