Manny Ramirez called it quits this last week, deciding to retire instead of going through an impending MLB drug treatment program.
Sources say that Manny was facing a 100-game suspension due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
It should come as no surprise that he took this route, as he was simply not the Manny Ramirez everyone knew after testing positive back in May 2009, where he was suspended for 50 games.
After the suspension, Manny had a .460 slugging percentage and had only nine home runs in 90 games for the Chicago White Sox and and the Los Angeles Dodgers—his lowest numbers since his rookie year back in 1993, when he was 21 years old.
Manny wished to retire this time around.
Since the MLB starting issuing performance-enhancing drug suspensions, Manny has tested positive twice. This puts a large negative on a career mainly known for Manny just simply being Manny—that is, the fun-loving goof ball who had great power at the plate. He was also the MVP for the Boston Red Sox when they finally broke the curse back in 2004.
Manny was one of the best hitters of his generation, and now he walks out the door with his legacy tarnished and his dignity stripped. He ended his career with a .312 AVG, .411 OPB as well as .585 SLG. Possibly Hall of Fame statistics, but his legacy has been hit hard by the steroid accusations, as will most players (Alex Rodriguez, anyone?) who may one day be trying to wind up in Cooperstown.
Manny led a very successful and accomplished career, but left in the game in the absolute worst way. Will he end up in the Hall of Fame? I have a hard time believing that anymore.
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