Prince Fielder, walking away from the game due to medical necessity after a 12-year career, gave an emotional press conference in Arlington, Texas today, bidding his playing days adieu.
With his children by his side and the entire Texas Rangers team in attendance, Fielder offered tearful words about how his wife and family are there for him as support, Fielder said what no ballplayer every wants to say: “I can’t play Major League Baseball anymore.”
Fielder, who wore a neck brace during the presser due to his recent surgery, said that his kids wouldn’t allow him to be upset. But there was no avoiding the powerful emotion he was feeling as he said goodbye to his life as a major league ballplayer. He said “I don’t feel any less about myself,” and he thanked his sons, sitting to his left, for always making him feel like he was “the best.” He then thanked his agent, Scott Boras, sitting to his right, for being there for him since he was 19 or 20 years-old, joking that “getting contracts . . . that helps too.”
Fielder said “I thought I was just gonna cry in the car,” but the tears flowed. Watch:
Part of Prince Fielder's emotional press conference... @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/uxX8x4KcH7
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) August 10, 2016
After Fielder spoke Rangers manager Jeff Banister said, “he’s our teammate. He’s as important to our organization than the guys that are on the field right now.”
Fielder was a unique player and a unique presence in Major League Baseball. His presence will be missed.