Ex-jay Donaldson calls it a career at 38
Josh Donaldson — the Bringer of Rain and the most recent Toronto Blue Jays player to win an American League MVP award — has announced his retirement.
The 38-year-old three-time allstar, who had a mercurial time in his parts of four seasons in Toronto, made the announcement on the Mayor's Office with Sean Casey.
“There was a time this off-season where I felt really good about where I was at and wanted to try to give it one more go,” Donaldson said on the Youtube show. “But being home with the family, getting married ... today is a sad, but also happy day for me.
“It's sad because I won't be able to go out and play the game I love anymore, but it's also a very happy time I get to be around the family and take that next chapter in life.”
After being acquired by then Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, Donaldson was a massive part of the Toronto playoff teams in 2015 and 2016, a fit with that brash group of hitters such as Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
In 2015, Donaldson, who was acquired in November of 2014, hit .297, 41 homers and 123 RBI on his way to winning the MVP award as part of that dynamic group.
“It was pretty phenomenal what our lineup was able to accomplish,” Donaldson said. “I felt like I was coming up with guys on base every time.”
Donaldson was a fan favourite at the Rogers Centre, with his explosive bat and captivating personality. He said he fondly remembers the playoff runs of 2015 and 2016 when the dome was electric.
“It doesn't get any louder in that dome,” Donaldson said. “There was so much energy in that place.
“When I first got traded over there everybody said I know people thinks this is hockey, but everybody is ready for a winner. In Toronto they really do appreciate athletes and show up.”
Donaldson praised Anthopoulos for the influence he had on his career, first with the Jays and then with Atlanta.
His best years were in a Jays uniform, magic that he was never able to duplicate during stops in Cleveland, Atlanta, Minnesota and New York.