Shane Victorino officially retires
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Not every MLB player has the opportunity to go out on their own terms and Shane Victorino kind of got to do that which is cool.
He was not playing for an MLB team this year, however, he did formally retire which means he must have had a productive career. He signed a brief, honorary contract with the Phillies this week so he could retire and get both teams some press. That said, it was a great career for VIctorino and Red Sox fans should be grateful they had the opportunity to watch him play for a short period of time.
The Flyin Hawaiian as he was called came to Boston prior to the 2013 MLB season and manned right field for the Red Sox in their World Series Championship winning season. He was one of a handful of vets who really spiced up the team's clubhouse alongside MIke Napoli, Jonny Gomes, Ryan Dempster and others.
Victorino mashed left-handed pitching and was best known for his go-ahead grand slam in game six of the 2013 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers.
Once Victorino hit that, fans knew the Red Sox would be headed to the World Series. That was a special feeling and happened because of him which is awesome.
Remember, he collected a pair of hits in the final game of the World Series against the Cardinals too so, again, that was awesome.
After that, injuries kind of derailed his career with Boston but hey, not to worry, the team had Mookie Betts ready to go, so that was cool. What really does matter though is that he served as a bridge for Betts and a darn good one for that matter.
Victorino really did his job with the Red Sox and had some great walk-up music. That said, he holds a special place in team history.