Undrafted, Funky Submariner Retires After 15 Seasons

 

After a solid 15-year career which included one All-Star appearance and a tremendous lifetime ERA of 2.59, submarining right-handed reliever Darren O'Day has called it a career.

Darren O’Day announces retirement. Quite a fine career for the undrafted submariner: 42-21 record, 2.59 ERA, 15 years, an All-Star appearance https://t.co/OgeQ6YGExp

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 30, 2023

O'Day posted his retirement announcement on social media, saying, noting that being an undrafted player made his successful career all the more satisfying. 

"As a lightly recruited high school player, to a college walk-on, to an undrafted free agent, to a non-prospect entering pro ball, I am extremely proud of playing with the best players in the world for so long," wrote O'Day. "Finally, after 17 seasons in professional baseball, it is time to go home. The mental, physical, and time demands have finally outweighed my love for the game.

"When I started in 2006, I didn't know if I was good enough to compete in MLB, but I was determined to keep going until someone told me otherwise. I hope anyone out there who does things a little different can find inspiration in my story."

And different definitely describes O'Day's delivery. 

His funky, sidearm delivery baffled hitters to the tune of a 2.59 ERA over 15 major league seasons, with a 1.03 WHIP and 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He had a 42-21 record with 21 saves as well, plus one All-star appearance.

A great story of a player who followed his dream against all odds. Good luck in retirement to Darren O'Day.

Photo: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports