[Kitty]

Mike Piazza who went from a 62nd-round draft pick to the best-hitting catcher in major league history and a near-certain Hall of Famer, announced his retirement from baseball on Tuesday.

Piazza, who had not been signed by a team for the 2008 season, finished his 16-year career with a .308 batting average and 427 home runs. His 396 homers as a catcher were the most at a position known for its physical demands.
“After discussing my options with my wife, family and agent, I felt it was time to start a new chapter in my life,” Piazza, 39, said in a statement. He added: “I knew this day was coming, and over the last two years, I started to make my peace with it. I gave it my all, and left everything on the field.”

Piazza was baseball’s ultimate rags-to-riches story, as much as the son of a multimillionaire can be. His father, Vince, was a good friend of Tommy Lasorda, the longtime manager of the Dodgers. As the June 1988 amateur draft approached, Lasorda asked his organization to select Mike Piazza, then at a Miami junior college, merely as a feel-good favor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/sp...ll&oref=slogin

I wish he would have got a ring with the Mets but it didn't work out. He had a excellent career, good luck Mike!

[Kyle]

Well, A bad ending to a terrific career. thanks for the memories mike.

[BlueBaron]

He will definitely be in the HOF. He was one of the all time greats and he will be missed. Not a bad career for a 62nd rounder...

[Pujolsfan91]

Great career for Piazza, especially being drafted in the 62nd round. A HOF no doubt about it.

[Huntington08]

Great Carear although I think hes making a mistake. Sure its not really his fault hes not playing this year. well sort of half and half, but If I were him I would have got the 500 homeruns and enjoyed some more seasons then ended it. And yeah hes sort of the like zetterberg and datsyuk of the MLB. 62nd round.. ha ha ha

[Yankspwn]

He had a great career, he was a great catcher but he ended his career when no one wanted him on their team because he was too old and wasn't producing the numbers he used too. He is gonna go into the hall of fame , no doubt about it.

[hookbill]

One great hitter, but truthfully one lousy catcher. He couldn't make a throw to second if his life depended upon it.

He would have made a better first baseman. I'll always remember the restraint he showed when Roid Rage Clemens started to attack him with the broken bat.

A big fan favorite at Dodger Stadium, thanks for the memories Mike.

[wilson18]

he was one of the best