Bruce retires three weeks in
NEW YORK – On Sunday morning, Jay Bruce suited up as an active player for the last time.
After an accomplished 13-year career, but less than three weeks as a Yankee, the lefty slugger retired from baseball following Sunday afternoon’s game at Yankee Stadium against the Rays.
Bruce called it a “bittersweet” day but “everyone stops playing at some point.
“And I’ve been so fortunate to have the career that I’ve had. I don’t take any of it for granted.”
The conversation
Bruce, 34, began contemplating retirement a week ago, as his performance dipped and playing time disappeared.
Before Friday’s series opener against the Rays, Bruce texted Aaron Boone and requested a meeting, where he informed the Yankees manager of his decision.
During their 20-minute conversation, Boone said he congratulated Bruce “on what’s been an awesome career. He’s been a real pro with us. Really wish him the best moving forward. This should be a proud day for him on what’s been a really special career.’’
The Yankees could promote lefty-hitting Mike Ford to replace Bruce, but that decision has yet to be made, according to Boone.
Setting a standard
A three-time All-Star, Bruce averaged 30 home runs and 94 RBI per season during his seven-year prime with the Reds, Mets and Cleveland.
He didn’t play Sunday and finishes with 319 home runs, the highlight of which was the walk-off shot he belted to clinch the 2010 National league Central Division title for Cincinnati.
“Over 13 years of playing pretty much every single day, I set a standard of what I expected out of myself from a performance standpoint,” Bruce said. “Ultimately, I just felt like I couldn’t perform at the level I expected.”
Bruce made the Yankees as a nonroster player, largely due to Luke Voit’s knee injury. He is expected back in May.
Briefly in the Bronx
The Yankees’ opening-day first baseman, Bruce batted .118 (4-for-34) with one homer and three RBI in 10 games.
As his performance faded, the Yankees traded for second baseman Rougned Odor and switched DJ LeMahieu to first base, essentially turning Bruce into a pinch-hitter whose days on the roster were numbered.
Still, Bruce had nothing but praise for how the Yankees treated him.
Bruce first considered his career was coming to a close following an injurymarred 2020 season with Philadelphia.
“I appreciate the opportunity the Yankees gave me to prove I was healthy enough to play,” Bruce said. “And the staff here was incredible, helping me work every single day to essentially learn a new position (first base).”
During the offseason, “I had other opportunities, but I chose the Yankees,” Bruce said. “I believe the guys in that room are as capable or more capable than anyone of winning a World Series.”
Final curtain
Bruce said he had “no idea what’s next,” though his love for baseball could keep him in the game.
For now, his son begins kindergarten in the fall and Bruce and his wife, Hannah – high school sweethearts – have their first-ever summer to relax.
“I’m proud of what I accomplished,” said Bruce, who should expect to see his name on a Hall of Fame ballot to honor his body of work.
Bruce anticipated some emotional moments Sunday; he was on the bench and available to play.
Originally, Bruce’s plan was to tell Boone of his decision to retire Sunday, but “I felt like if I were Aaron, and there was a player in my clubhouse who knew this decision was coming, I would want to know.
“It’s tough,” Bruce said. “But I feel at peace with it.”