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A.J.’s last day? Rumors of retirement swirl
- Updated: September 11, 2016
ATLANTA — Three hours before Saturday’s 4-3, 10-inning win over the Mets, Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski was on the field throwing batting practice to his son, Austin.
Seven hours later, Pierzynski kept the Braves’ 10th inning alive with a full-count, opposite-field single to help set the stage for Adonis Garcia’s walk-off single.
It could have been the last at-bat of Pierzynski’s 19-year career. The 39-year-old didn’t give reporters a definitive answer after the game, but several signs in the clubhouse pointed to his potential retirement, fueling speculation on social media.
The Braves had his bat and ball authenticated, cigars were out and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman hugged Pierzynski’s son at his locker.
Pierzynski hasn’t played much since returning from the disabled list in early September, with fellow backstops Anthony Recker and Tyler Flowers getting most of the reps behind the plate.
“It’s been discussed, obviously, but I don’t know,” Pierzynski said. “I just hadn’t played in a while … guys …
