More than a year after his final Major League appearance, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly has effectively ended his professional baseball career. He revealed this development during an appearance on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast but declined to formally use the term “retirement.”
Kelly expressed a distinct view on the concept of retirement, saying, “Retiring is, like, something my grandmother did. It’s so disrespectful.” He emphasized that athletes do not truly retire but simply stop playing, showing his unique take on the transition from professional sports. This perspective sets him apart from many of his peers.
Kelly last pitched in Major League Baseball in March for the Los Angeles Dodgers, bringing home his third World Series championship ring. After not signing with any team the following season, the 37-year-old right-handed pitcher decided to step away from the game.
Throughout a 13-year career spanning from 2012 to 2024, Kelly showcased his talents with four different MLB teams, primarily working as a reliever. He became known for his postseason excellence and competitive spirit on the mound.
His career started with the St. Louis Cardinals before he joined the Red Sox midway through the 2014 season. Initial struggles as a starting pitcher led Kelly to find his niche in the bullpen, where he excelled. During Boston’s 2018 championship season, he led the team with 73 relief appearances.
Kelly’s postseason performance with the Red Sox was exceptional, recording a 0.51 ERA with 13 strikeouts over 11 1/3 innings in the playoffs. He allowed just one earned run during that run, proving to be a reliable and dominant October performer.
Following the 2018 World Series, Kelly signed with the Dodgers, a team he had faced in that Fall Classic. He contributed significantly to two Dodgers championships in 2020 and 2024, further cementing his reputation as a clutch postseason reliever.
Besides his pitching skills, Kelly was well-known for his outspoken and combative demeanor. His willingness to engage opponents and his physical style of play occasionally sparked brawls, but it also made him one of the most memorable and colorful personalities in the game.
With three World Series titles and a 13-year MLB career behind him, Joe Kelly’s departure marks the end of an era for fans who admired not just his pitching but his fiery spirit. His unconventional announcement reflects both his personality and his attitude toward life after baseball.
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