FORT MYERS — Ryan Dempster isn’t ready to retire, but his 2014 season is finished.
Dempster announced yesterday that he will not pitch this season, due to lingering neck and groin injuries, as well as family concerns.
“After a long offseason and thinking about things and seeing where I was at, both physically and personally, I just made the decision that I’m not going to pitch in the 2014 season and go from there,” Dempster said. “I had an incredible run, a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships, a lot of great memories, but I just feel that given where I’m at with my health, with how I feel personally, I just feel like it’s in the best interest of both myself and the organization as a team to not play this year. I don’t feel like I can compete or produce like I’m accustomed to.”
By departing now, Dempster leaves his $13.25 million contract on the table, and the Red Sox will be off the hook for that total. Dempster, who has earned roughly $90 million over his career, said the money wasn’t a factor.
“I’ve been really, really fortunate and super lucky in this game and extremely humbled by the amount of money I have made for me and my family for years and years and hopefully my kid’s kids,” Dempster said.
“The money was not that much of a difficult decision. I think more so having the opportunity to come back into the locker room and be a part of a team that’s going to go out there and win another World Series.”
If this is indeed the end of Dempster’s career — he couldn’t bring himself to use the word “retirement” because it feels too final — he finishes with a lifetime record of 132-133, a 4.35 ERA, and 87 saves. He also leaves as a two-time All-Star who finished sixth in the 2008 National League Cy Young Award voting.
“I don’t know how great (my career) has been,” Dempster said, “but it’s been a long one.”
As Dempster spoke, teammates including Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli, David Ross, Clay Buchholz and Andrew Miller lined up behind the assembled media. They gave him a standing ovation when he finished.
“I don’t even want to look at them right now,” Dempster said, his voice cracking. “It’s awesome, man.”
Dempster said he has disc problems and bone spurs in his neck. As much as he’s going to miss pitching, his teammates might miss him even more.
“It’s tough,” Napoli said. “He’s a guy that meant a lot to this clubhouse. The fun we had in here. The comedian he is. He’s amazing. He’s just really fun, keeps everyone loose. He’s a great friend and will be missed.”
Let the record show that if this is the end of his career, Dempster finished on top, striking out Matt Adams to end Game 1 of the World Series.
“What a great way to go out,” Dempster said. “What better way really to write it.”
