Former Red Sox Fan-Favorite, World Series Champion Officially Announces Retirement

Mitchy Two Bags officially is calling it a career

One former Boston Red Sox fan-favorite officially is hanging up his cleats.

Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland joined the club Tuesday to help out ahead of the team's spring training Grapefruit League clash against the Atlanta Braves and officially announced his retirement in a conversation with WEEI's Rob Bradford. 

"I’m retired," Moreland said to Bradford. "There you go, I’m done. I’m done playing. I’ve enjoyed the family life too much in the last year and a half. Being there for my kids. It got to the point where they were away from me during the season and in school. I wanted to be there for them, and be around the family more."

Moreland was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 17th round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft and after working his way up in the minor leagues, made his MLB debut with the club in 2019. The first baseman spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Rangers before being signed by the Red Sox ahead of the 2017 campaign.

The 37-year-old immediately was welcomed by Red Sox Nation with open arms. He shined on the field and even earned his lone All-Star nod as a member of the club in 2018. Moreland was known for clubbing doubles and even earned the nickname "Mitchy Two Bags." He was a major part of the 2018 club that broke the team record for wins and took home the World Series title over the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Boston traded Moreland to the San Diego Padres during the 2020 campaign and then the first baseman signed with the Oakland Athletics ahead of the 2021 season. 

Although his playing career may be over, it may not be the last time we see him in a Major League Baseball dugout. Moreland served in a special advisory coaching role with Boston and even has had conversations with Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom and manager Alex Cora about a different role with the team. 

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