Former Toronto Blue Jays Playoff Contributor Anounces Retirement

He wasn't much at the plate, but his contributions in the infield can't be overstated, at least for the back-to-back playoff teams he played a key role for with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Now, Ryan Goins has announced his retirement from baseball. The 35-year-old made the announcement on his Twitter/X account:

My farewell to playing the game I love ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/goFJalNvVm

— Ryan Goins (@rgoins17) October 9, 2023

"As an athlete you never think it's coming and then one day it's staring you right in the face!," wrote Goins. "As a lot of people know i spent this last year coaching but never officially announced that was I was done playing the game that l've loved since I was a little boy with a dream. I was able to do some special things in my 14 years and developed relationships that will last lifetime. I want to say thank you to the Toronto Blue Jays for taking a chance on me and giving me my first shot.

"To all of my teammates along the way, and the friendships I leave the game with, I say thank you! Lastly to my family. who was there with me every step of the way and had my back no matter what, your support meant the world to me and I hope I made you guys proud every step of the way. 

"So this is my official goodbye to playing the game, and my hello to the next chapter of my journey as a coach."

Goins was a valuable contributor with his defense at 2B and SS for the Blue Jays as they reached the ALCS in 2015 and 2016. He spent five years with Toronto, one year with the Kansas City Royals and two with the Chicago White Sox. 

He was a 4th-round selection by the Jays in the 2009 Draft, and last played in the majors in 2020. 

Goins will now move into coaching for the next phase of his career.