Astros World Series champion announces retirement with video on social media

The Houston Astros won their second World Series in six years in 2022, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

The guy behind the plate for the Astros for their 2022 World Series: Martin Maldonado.

On Saturday morning, Maldonado took to social media to announce his retirement from baseball, a sport he's played for the last 34 years.

Astros' Martin Maldonado announces retirement

Maldonado spent 15 years in the MLB with the first six coming with the Milwaukee Brewers. Then he bounced around a couple of different teams the next couple of years before landing with the Astros.

The veteran catcher spent five years with the Astros, becoming a key piece of their World Series team and a leader in the clubhouse.

Then, Maldonado spent the last two years with the Chicago White Sox and the San Diego Padres before he decided it was time to hang the cleats up on Saturday morning.

"I was just four years old when I fell in love with you. From the moment I first put on that catcher’s gear, I knew this game would be part of me forever," Maldonado wrote on social media. "Every inning, every pitch, every moment behind the plate has been a blessing. For 34 years, I’ve had the honor of wearing that gear — and for the last 15, doing it at the highest level.

"Today, it’s time to hang them up and officially call it a career."

Maldonado ends his 15-year career in the MLB with a Gold Glove award from his time with the Brewers and a World Series ring from his 2022 year with the Astros.

The veteran catcher was always known for his knowledge and leadership in the game.

Maldonado thanked his wife and kids in his retirement announcement for all the joy and support they've brought him along his baseball journey, and he thanked the rest of his family for their part in the journey since he was four years old.

Then the veteran catcher thanked his coaches, teammates and the fans for the marks they left on him and the energy they brought each and every day.

Maldonado was a career .203 hitter with a .620 OPS, and collected 119 home runs and 384 RBI during his career. However, the veteran was known for his presence, defense and leadership more than anything.

"As I take off the gear for the last time, I do it with a full heart — grateful, proud, and forever in love with the game that gave me everything," Maldonado wrote. "Thank you, baseball. And thank you all for being part of this incredible journey."

Maldonado can now enjoy post-baseball life with his family. But, if he ever wants to get back into the game as a coach, there will certainly be a spot for him.

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