In a world where athletes announce retirements with PR firms, champagne, and half-baked farewell tours, one former All-Star from the Los Angeles Dodgers reminded us that sincerity still exists—and it can fit in a single tweet. With no grand finale or victory lap, just a heartfelt note and a nostalgic sign-off, he left the game the same way he played it: underrated, efficient, and entirely on his own terms.

After Joey Votto, Lance Lynn, and Kevin Smith, another legend has decided to hang up his cleats. MLB and Dodger legend Ross Stripling is done with baseball and will not be seen on the mound again.

This news was announced through his Instagram handle with a thank-you note. He shared a thank-you note with the caption, “With Love, Chicken Strip.” In the thank you note, he said, “After 13 seasons and full of tremendous pride and gratitude, it’s time to hang up the cleats.”

Across 248 appearances, Stripling quietly pieced together a respectable résumé: 741 strikeouts, 846.1 innings, and a 4.17 ERA that reflects both his consistency and competitiveness. While most of the players had a nervy debut, Stripling had a blast with the Dodgers. He burst onto the scene in 2016, flirting with history as he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning of his MLB debut—a feat that instantly etched his name into Dodgers lore.

That debut wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was a trailer for a career defined by reliability, intelligence, and just enough flair to earn him the nickname “Chicken Strip.” Stripling didn’t chase headlines, but he quietly outlasted flashier names and left the game on his terms. In an era obsessed with velocity and viral moments, he proved that savvy still has a place on the mound. Baseball didn’t make Stripling a legend overnight, but it sure made him unforgettable over 13 seasons.

Dodgers fans and former teammates say thanks to Ross Stripling for his time in MLB

Not every farewell needs fireworks. Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt note, a well-placed nickname, and a legacy built on sharp pitching and sharper wit. As one former Los Angeles Dodgers standout steps away from the mound, the baseball world doesn’t scramble for highlights—it simply nods in appreciation. Because when consistency meets humility, even X (formerly known as Twitter) gets emotional—and that’s saying something.

“Congrats on a fantastic career, buddy! You are a pros pro, and I’m so glad I got to see a big part of it. Undoubtedly one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. Cheers to the next chapter, buddy!!!” wrote Justin Turner, capturing what many teammates felt. Their bond ran deeper than box scores—it was built in bullpens, dugouts, and long postgame flights. Turner’s words reflected admiration, respect, and a genuine baseball brotherhood that doesn’t fade with retirement. In a sport of stats and silence, this was a rare, heartfelt tribute from one Dodgers heart to another.

“Unbelievable story and amazing career. Congratulations,” wrote AJ Minter, summing it up with quiet admiration. Sometimes, respect comes from across the league, not just across the dugout. Minter’s words spoke for pitchers everywhere who value grit over glamour. It was a short message, but loaded with the kind of praise that doesn’t need many words.

“All the best in your next chapter, Strip,” the Blue Jays wrote, bidding farewell to a trusted arm. In 2022, he gave them 10 wins, a 3.01 ERA, and steady, silent leadership. He wasn’t flashy, but he was exactly what the Jays needed when it counted most. The message felt like a tip of the cap—short, sincere, and packed with gratitude.

“Congratulations!” the MLBPA commented—simple, but carrying the weight of a career built on grit and grace. Stripling was an All-Star, a trusted swing man, and a voice players respected on and off the field. He balanced pitching with finance, fastballs with foresight—rare traits in today’s game. That one-word tribute? It echoed louder than most speeches ever could.

“Congratulations on a great career, Ross! Best of luck in your next chapter,” the Los Angeles Dodgers wrote with pride. Over five seasons in LA, Stripling tallied 23 wins and a 3.68 ERA across 143 games. He debuted with a near no-hitter and left as a fan favorite. This wasn’t just a farewell—it was a thank-you from the franchise that watched him grow.

From near no-hitter to fan favorite, Stripling’s LA story ended where it started—with quiet excellence. He didn’t need a standing ovation; a few heartfelt comments did the trick. In a league obsessed with exit velocity, he exits with something rarer: universal respect. Chicken Strip may be off the mound, but his legacy? Still throwing strikes.