BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland retires from baseball

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Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland retires from baseball

Ryan Westmoreland announced his retirement from professional baseball in an email to several members of the media on Wednesday.

“With a clear mind and heart, as well as the unwavering support and friendship of my family, friends, agent(s), doctors, therapists and the Boston Red Sox, I have decided to voluntarily retire as a professional baseball player,” Westmoreland wrote. “Although it is a very difficult decision for me, it has become clear that the neurological damage caused by the most recent cavernous malformation and surgery leaves me with physical challenges that make it impossible to play the game at such a high level.”

A former star at Portsmouth High School, the 22-year-old Westmoreland emerged one of the top prospects in the Red Sox organization shortly after he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft, signing a $2 million contract to forgo a commitment to Vanderbilt.

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: March 06, 2013 at 03:09 PM | 12 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: brain surgery, prospects, red sox, retirement, ryan westmoreland

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1. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 06, 2013 at 03:30 PM (#4382130)

Here's hoping you can live a long and healthy life Ryan. That in itself would be a victory.

2. Textbook Editor Posted: March 06, 2013 at 03:55 PM (#4382155)

Ditto.

3. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: March 06, 2013 at 04:00 PM (#4382159)

Gotta be heartbreaking. I hope those who support him now continue to do so.

4. cooper7d7 Posted: March 06, 2013 at 04:16 PM (#4382172)

So is it safe to drop him in my deep keeper?

5. tfbg9 Posted: March 06, 2013 at 04:20 PM (#4382177)

Sad. Be well kid.

6. Misirlou is bad, he's nationwide Posted: March 06, 2013 at 05:11 PM (#4382247)

A 5th round pick gets a 2 mil signing bonus?

7. Publius Publicola Posted: March 06, 2013 at 05:13 PM (#4382253)

He was one of those guys who dropped because of sineability demands. He had 1st/2nd rd talent.

8. Misirlou is bad, he's nationwide Posted: March 06, 2013 at 05:15 PM (#4382254)

OK. I'm glad the kid has some sort of nest egg. At least I hope he does.

9. gef the talking mongoose Posted: March 06, 2013 at 05:17 PM (#4382258)

Jesus. There but for the grace of ... whatever ... go any of us.

10. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: March 06, 2013 at 05:31 PM (#4382276)

Too bad.

11. UnclePab Posted: March 06, 2013 at 06:27 PM (#4382344)

Here's hoping you can live a long and healthy life Ryan. That in itself would be a victory.

Absolutely. This is sad from a baseball perspective, but I completely agree with Jose's sentiment.

12. Darren

Posted: March 06, 2013 at 08:42 PM (#4382438)

Why the heck is he retiring? ZIPS had him projected for like a 750 OPS, IIRC.

Seriously, sad story. I remember reading after the accident that the Red Sox were seriously considering getting Westmoreland to the Majors very quickly, something like 2010. I always wondered if that was revisionist.

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Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland retires from baseball

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