He was going to retire, but I re-signed him.

[Calvert98]

Hello,

I’m looking for some advice.

I have an extremely popular 41 year old player on the roster. In the previous year, I wasn’t sure he was going to retire at the end of the season as he kept talking about a new contract, and I didn’t want to upset the fans, so I offered him a two year extension. I wish it was only 1 year, but my bad; at least it wasn’t a lot of money.

Anyway, our letters crossed in the mail, and he told me that he was ready to retire, but of course, I had already sent the extension, which he then agreed to. Now, I have my 25 man active roster being dragged a bit by him. I can’t release him as it would not only agitate the fans, but also I just don’t have the stomach for that, can’t trade him (he’s an icon at this franchise) and I can’t send him down to AAA (can't imagine that). Is there something I can do to get him to retire or am I stuck with him for the next two years?


Thanks

[bwburke94]

You can force-retire him as commissioner.

[lt2cents]

Been in this situation. Have a no field skill, 42 year old first baseman (once a good shortstop), who just keeps going, pinch hitting a little.


Other than not offering a contract, which may get a player to retire- and which you did not want to take a chance on, seeing him end up on another team and disturbing the fans- there does not seem to be any way to push a player to retire. (Be a nice feature for the game to provide for the owner to suggest a player retire, or provide more feedback on how the player may react if not offered a contract.)

Now your player may play the two seasons, or maybe just one, or maybe quit during a season- players will sometimes retire before a contract ends. It seems to depend on if he thinks he is playing well and that on personality ratings. If he rides the bench he may retire early, but some players hang on for the paychecks.

[MattT516]

Technically speaking, isn't there a "retire player" option when you right-click on the guy, next to "delete player" and all those other options? If you really want to bump him off so bad, just do that. It's about as useful as an owner forcing a guy to retire in real life!

I had this problem with Rickey Henderson in the year 2000 with the Mets. He was dragging my roster down really bad and taking time away from other guys. I had to release him, regardless of how popular he still was at the time and how much money he was owed for the rest of that season.

[Chicagofan76]

See Carlton Fisk 1993 White Sox...all forgiven.

Frank Thomas off season 2005 ....retired his # yesterday

Jim Thome offseason 2009......dammit Kenny!


1. who cares about fan favorites this is business.
2. if he is batting crappy dont u think the fans know that too, and that someone else would be better suited to take over unless player is Mark Kotsay then u pick up the potentially biggest headache in the game on waivers, even though you had an 8% chance of catching the Twins without Manny and a 9% chance with Manny....had we kept Thome Sox could be in 1st right now all along.

[damientheomen3]

Originally Posted by MattT516

Technically speaking, isn't there a "retire player" option when you right-click on the guy, next to "delete player" and all those other options? If you really want to bump him off so bad, just do that. It's about as useful as an owner forcing a guy to retire in real life!

I had this problem with Rickey Henderson in the year 2000 with the Mets. He was dragging my roster down really bad and taking time away from other guys. I had to release him, regardless of how popular he still was at the time and how much money he was owed for the rest of that season.

Those options are only there if commissioner mode is on.

[lighthousekeeper]

Originally Posted by MattT516

I had this problem with Rickey Henderson in the year 2000 with the Mets. He was dragging my roster down really bad and taking time away from other guys. I had to release him, regardless of how popular he still was at the time and how much money he was owed for the rest of that season.

rickey being rickey

[edm]

Originally Posted by bwburke94

You can force-retire him as commissioner.

I think he means without cheating the system

You made the offer so I say you should honor the contract. Next time wait until the offseason. Since there wouldn't be much interest in this type of player he would be easy to resign during the FA period if they don't retire first.

[MattT516]

Originally Posted by damientheomen3

Those options are only there if commissioner mode is on.

Ahh, makes sense. Sorry about that.

And yes, Rickey was being Rickey. With his 3 left field defense rating and his .195 average at age 42. I tried to DFA him to no avail, I offered him in trades, I tried to make him the 4th outfielder, I petitioned for him to be postgame entertainment, I petitioned for him to sign autographs and run around the bases with the kids during the DynaMets dash. Nothing worked - Rickey wanted a spot at the top of the lineup. Ugh, good riddance.

Anyway, what position does this relic play? Can't you make him a backup, or does he really want that starting job in the dying days of his career?

[Calvert98]

Hello Guys,

Thanks for your comments.
Just as an update, my guy ended-up retiring anyway at the end of his first extension year (1978) of his new 2-year contract. He did seem progressively unhappy as the season went on, so I’m glad he decided to ride into the sunset while still a legend.
-Cal

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Calvert98

Hello Guys,

Thanks for your comments.
Just as an update, my guy ended-up retiring anyway at the end of his first extension year (1978) of his new 2-year contract. He did seem progressively unhappy as the season went on, so I’m glad he decided to ride into the sunset while still a legend.
-Cal

It's these types of stories that make this game so great. I never tire of reading about them.