Danny Bautista retires

by Jim McLennan on Mar 21, 2005 3:39 PM EST in Diamondbacks News

Surprised to read that Danny Bautista has decided to quit the game, walking away from the $1.9m contract he signed with Tampa Bay in the off-season. He cited repeated injury as the cause, and is only 32. "Hmmm..." is really all I want to say on the subject openly, and I wish Danny all the best. He'll always be remembered for hitting .583 for Arizona in the 2001 World Series, the fourth-highest average of all time in the fall classic.

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One of AZ's best trades ever

I remember when AZ traded Andy Fox to get him - I thought Joe Jr. was nuts. At the time, Bautista's average was only 10 points higher than Fox's, and Fox was doing a great job as a utilityman.
And then Bautista proceeds to hit (IIRC) around .345 for the rest of the season. I guess Joe Jr. wasn't crazy after all.
Then came 2001, and we're pretty familiar with his expolits then. Anyone remember Reggie Sanders whining because Bautista got the Game 7 start over him - even after AZ hoisted the trophy, largely due to Bautista's double?
Danny played the game right, and was fun to watch. He also had a huge impact on the franchise. Hopefully he'll be able to come back to the game someday.

by azpenguin on Mar 21, 2005 10:57 PM EST reply actions

Might be a response

to the way he and Shea were treated after killing themselves carrying the team as much
as it could be last year. Really bad form by the new ownership crew IMO.

by nargel on Mar 22, 2005 1:56 AM EST reply actions

He was the archetypal fourth outfielder

Last year was actually the first time Bautista was a full-time starter. Before that, he never had more than 284 at-bats with one team in a season since reaching the majors in 1993. Guess he figured he had nothing else to prove... ;-)

by Jim McLennan on Mar 22, 2005 2:47 PM EST reply actions