Former Red Sox Fan Favorite Mike Napoli Announces Retirement in Heartfelt Message



37-year-old Mike Napoli has announced his retirement on Twitter. Napoli, who was dealing with significant injuries to his right knee over the last year, had initially planned to give it another go after completing the rehab process, but has decided, “after much thought and consideration,” to call it quits. Napoli, a 2011 All-Star and 2013 World Series Champion, will long be remembered for his soaring moonshots, magnetic personality and a very sought-after clubhouse presence.

Napoli’s career spanned 12 major league seasons, during which time he featured prominently on seven playoff teams, three pennant winners, and the 2013 World Champion Boston Red Sox.

“The memories will last forever,” Napoli wrote. “My first big-league home run in May of 2006 with Los Angeles; behind the plate for the 2011 postseason with Texas and 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City; at first base for the playoff runs with Boston in 2013 and Cleveland in 2016; and the list goes on and on.”





Probably Mike Napoli’s most epic off-field moment was his post 2013 World Series celebration walking around Boston at 3am will always be one of my most favorite cherished memories.