Troy Tulowitzki Announces Retirement, Joins Texas Longhorns Coaching Staff
Five-time All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki announced his retirement Thursday and he will take an assistant coaching job with the Texas Longhorns.
The 34-year-old Tulowitzki had most recently played with the Yankees this season but played most of his career with the Rockies. Before heading to New York this season, Tulowitzki played for Toronto.
"For as long as I can remember, my dream was to compete at the highest level as a Major League Baseball Player … to wear a big league uniform and play hard for my teammates and the fans," he wrote in a statement. "I will forever be grateful for every day that I’ve had to live out my dream. It has been an absolute honor."
“I will always look back with tremendous gratitude for having the privilege of playing as long as I did. There is no way to truly express my gratitude to the fans of Colorado, Toronto and New York. They always made my family and I feel so welcome."
Tulowitzki, who only played in five Yankee games this season, expressed he wished his "health had allowed a different ending to that chapter." He hit .182 with one RBI and one home run in his appearances for New York after missing the entire 2018 season to bone spurs.
For the Texans, Tulowitzki will replace Phil Haig who is no longer with the program.
"Tulo and I had an opportunity to spend some time together and I came away so impressed with his desire to teach and his excitement to become a part of Texas Baseball," Texas head coach David Pierce said. "Longhorn legends Huston Street and Drew Stubbs gave great endorsements on Tulo's behalf. His knowledge goes without saying but his passion and energy for the development of young men left such a meaningful impression on me. He will be a great addition to our staff. I am excited to have Troy, his wife Danyll and their son Taz join The University of Texas Baseball program."
Tulowitzki is a two-time Gold Glove and two-time Silver Slugger winner.
