Royals Report: KC Drops Broom In Sloppy Loss To Twins

4) Johnny Gomes Announces His Retirement

Oct 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals player Jonny Gomes (31) takes batting practice before game five of the ALDS against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Former Kansas City Royals outfielder Johnny Gomes announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending his baseball career at age 35. Gomes had been playing in Japan for the Rakuthen Golden Eagles.

Gomes won two World Series rings in his career (Boston Red Sox in 2013 and KC Royals in 2015), and posted a .242/.333/.436 triple slash with 162 home runs. While Gomes was a useful pinch hitter for the Red Sox in 2013, he was more of an emotional cheerleader for the Kansas City Royals in 2015.

Gomes hit a mere .167/.235/.233 in 30 at bats for the 2015 Royals after the team acquired him as emergency outfield depth after Alex Gordon‘s hamstring injury in July. However, Gomes was credited with helping shortstop Christian Colon stay ready during the World Series even though Gomes wasn’t on the playoff roster. Colon delivered the game winning single in game 5 of the World Series as a pinch hitter after sitting for most of a month during the playoffs.

That single gave the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 lead that they stretched to a 7-2 bulge to nail down their 2015 title in the 13th inning.

Gomes then gave a stirring speech at the KC Royals victory parade that has endeared him to Kansas City fans way beyond anything he produced on the field.

Let’s hope the Kansas City Royals can find a place for Jonny in their organization. C’mon. Just listen to that speech. That guy needs a coaching job.

Next: Dillon Gee

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