PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 06: Relief pitcher Jeremy Affeldt #41 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Opening Day MLB game at Chase Field on April 6, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 5-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
As he walks away from baseball after 14 years, San Francisco Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt knows it's not the game he'll miss. It's the people.
At age 36, with an achy body and a family eager to have him more at home, Affeldt announced Thursday that he will retire from baseball.
As he reflected on his career and his seven seasons with the Giants, the left-hander became emotional when discussing his cherished relationships with his teammates, one of whom, Matt Cain, was present in the press conference.
"I have some really good friends that I've made in this game, a few that I would consider closer than a brother, and one of them is in here right now, Matt Cain. Not being able to be a part of his life the way I'd like to be is going to affect me the most," Affeldt said as he paused to fight back tears.
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"The relationships have meant a lot to me. So, it'll be tough on me."
In his 14 seasons in the majors, Affeldt has compiled a 43-46 record with a 3.97 ERA, a figure that dips down to 3.07 in his seven seasons with the Giants.
The left-hander will be forever remembered for his sensational relief appearances in the postseason, as he held a 0.86 career postseason ERA and did not give up a run in 22 innings over the Giants' last two World Series runs in 2012 and 2014.
(h/t KNBR)
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