Stephen Strasburg, a World Series champion pitcher for the Washington Nationals, announced his retirement on Sunday, marking the end of a career that was filled with highs and lows. Strasburg, whose last few seasons in baseball were marred by injuries, officially listed his retirement with MLB on Saturday.
Reflecting on his decision, Strasburg said, “As a young kid, all I dreamt about was winning a World Series. Thanks to the many coaches, teammates, and medical staff, my boyhood dream came true in 2019.” He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of fans in the DMV area and the opportunity to wear the Nationals uniform.
The Nationals selected Strasburg as the No. 1 overall pick out of San Diego State in 2010. He quickly made an impact, striking out 92 batters in 12 games and posting a 2.91 ERA. Despite missing most of the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, Strasburg continued to excel and helped lead the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019, where he was named World Series MVP.
Injuries continued to plague Strasburg in the later years of his career, with nerve issues in his hand limiting his appearances in the shortened 2020 season. Despite the setbacks, Strasburg finishes his career with 1,723 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA, earning three All-Star selections along the way.
The Nationals’ principal owner, Mark D. Lerner, praised Strasburg for his contributions to the team, stating, “He gave us so many memories that will live in our hearts forever. No one can dispute the indelible impact he had on our organization.”
General Manager Mike Rizzo also commended Strasburg, calling him one of the best players in Nationals history and expressing gratitude for his contributions to the team.
As Strasburg bids farewell to the game, fans and teammates alike are left to reflect on the legacy of a pitcher who brought a World Series title to Washington and left an indelible mark on the franchise. Congratulations to Stephen Strasburg on a tremendous career in baseball.
