While the Cleveland Guardians embark on another season with all of the excitement that entails, especially for the younger players, others around the game are coming to terms with the end of their careers. It is always difficult to step away, but it is best done when there are good feelings expressed.
That holds true for former Cleveland catcher and World Series hero Roberto “Bebo” Perez. The 38-year-old has not been in the majors since 2023, and he has decided to end his time as a player.
Perez took to social media to announce his retirement, posting a lengthy message of gratitude on Instagram.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to officially retire from baseball.
“This game has been a major part of my life and has shaped me both on and off the field. Through baseball, I’ve learned discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of commitment. I am deeply grateful for every coach, teammate, trainer, and supporter who helped me along the way and believed in me throughout my journey.
“While this decision was not an easy one, I feel confident that it is the right time to step away and begin the next chapter of my life. I leave the game with nothing but respect and appreciation for everything it has given me.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this experience and for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that will stay with me forever.
Sincerely,
Roberto Bebo Perez”
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After being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 29th round of the 2006 MLB Draft out of high school, Perez was later selected by Cleveland as a college player in the 33rd round of the 2008 draft. He made his major league debut with the franchise in 2014.
Perez played eight seasons for Cleveland, with a total of 490 games. A defensive specialist with two Gold Glove Awards, he had a .206 lifetime batting average with 53 home runs. His best season by far came in 2019, with career highs of 24 home runs, 63 RBIs and 119 games played.
But his career highlight came during the 2016 season. After appearing in 61 regular-season games with just three home runs, he hit two home runs in Game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.
Batting ninth in the order, Perez hit a solo home run off Jon Lester in the fourth inning and a three-run homer in the eighth inning off Hector Rondon in Cleveland’s 6-0 victory. He is the only Cleveland player to ever hit two home runs in a World Series game.
Perez played one season for the Pittsburgh Pirates before ending his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 2023. He threw out the first pitch for Game 3 of last year’s AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers.
Now that he is retired, perhaps the organization will have him back for another acknowledgement this year.
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