There was much confusion in the Atlanta Braves clubhouse on Saturday night. Moments after the Braves ended the Mets six-game winning streak with a stunning walk-off victory in 10 innings, it appeared that A.J. Pierzynski’s retirement party had commenced without a warning or official announcement.
#Braves Pierzynski hugging all teammates, passed out cigars. He's retiring, apparently right now.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC)
September 11, 2016 The hugs actually started in the dugout after Pierzynski singled and was pinch-run for in the decisive tenth inning. That had people curious. Then the cigars seemingly sealed the deal, though there was actually a better explanation for that as well.
From there, Pierzynski played coy with his answers, refusing to tip his hand one way or the other.
AJ Pierzynski was hugging teammates in the
#Braves Clubhouse but did NOT announce his retirement. Said he doesn’t know what tomorrow holds.
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin)
September 11, 2016Pierzynski: "I dont know whats going to happen, I dont know what tomorrows going to bring but if that's it…it was fun" Braves
@680_The_Fan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin)
September 11, 2016 That might mean the only way we’ll know for sure is to tune in for Sunday’s series finale against the Mets. That game will be featured as the MLB Free Game of the Day on Yahoo Sports, so we can all watch and perhaps learn together. You can stream the game at Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET.
A.J. Pierzynski, center, is doused with water by teammate Freddie Freeman after the Braves beat Mets 4-3. (AP) If this was the end for Pierzynski, it would certainly be an interesting way to go out. Perhaps even fitting when you consider how Pierzynski has never been shy about standing out or doing things his way. Many times his personality has rubbed people the wrong way, but he is what he is. He hasn’t changed over the last 19 years, why should he change now?
He may only be hitting .219 with two homers this season, but he’s also had a very productive career. Maybe even more productive than you think. A World Series championship is always a good way to start a resume. Two All-Star selections is better than none. Beyond that though, his longevity had been remarkable.
When you can make claims like that, you’ve done pretty well. Now we’ll just wait to see the real story is, and perhaps of more interest, how Pierzynshi decides to end it.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
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