Imago
Credit: IMAGO
Imago
Credit: IMAGO
Surgery is a huge step for anyone but it’s especially significant for an athlete. For a profession where injuries are commonplace, surgery can make or break a player’s career. On the one hand, they might receive relief from pain and better movement. But for some, like Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres, it’s career-ending. Some much-needed comfort from constant aches but a significant long-term impact.
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Stammen has been a mainstay in the San Diego Padres organization since 2017 and is a beloved player. But ever since he tore a rotator cuff back in 2022, things have only gone south. The 39-year-old took some time off to rest in the hopes of returning, but as it turned out, the injury was too serious. Without confirming anything for sure, Stammen recently announced that it’s unlikely he will ever pitch again.
Fans are devastated to hear San Diego Padres’ Craig Stammen may be retiring
Multiple MRIs showed that the pitcher’s right shoulder had a torn capsule and strained subscapula. Something that requires likely career-ending surgery. “Without saying that I’m done,” Stammen told Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, “it’s highly unlikely that I pitch again.”
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Fans, some of which have dedicatedly followed his thirteen-season career, were in disbelief.
Stammen is the kind of guy the Padres need in player development. He played the game right. Respect.
— Ira the Terrible (@Ricktherunner) March 12, 2023
Until he made his appearance at Spring Training I wasn't aware that he hadn't retired when he and BoMel decided that he wasn't going to be on the playoff roster last season.
What a great guy, long-time Padre and the "dean of the bullpen".
The team will miss his leadership.
— Charles Breuninger- #FriarFaithful #Rowdy #BoltUp (@VoiceOfPoker) March 12, 2023
Tough break.. hate he’s not hanging it up on his own terms. I hope he has a complete and speedy recovery, and enjoys his life after baseball. I appreciate all he’s been to the Padres… #OldReliable
— Brian (@brianjruiz) March 12, 2023
Since Stammen is something of a veteran, many want him to take up a leadership position that doesn’t require his presence on the field.
What a bummer, I hope there’s a non player role for him with the team if that’s something he wants.
— Tracy (@TracyWaldren1) March 12, 2023
@Padres please find a coaching spot for this legend. The pitching staff loves him and he has so much to teach!
— BP Joe (@JF061617) March 12, 2023
Some referred to his time with the Nationals and how everyone will miss him.
Great guy. Beloved by long time Nats fans. Wish him the best.
— Ray Mitten (@Raymitten) March 12, 2023
Always a Nats fan favorite. Wish him all the best!
— Terri B🌻 (@NatsGal) March 12, 2023
More than anyone though, it’s Stammen himself who is the most disheartened, even if he expected this outcome after last year.
Stammen is ‘at peace’ after a successful 13-year career
Nothing hurts more than not going out on one’s own terms, especially in sports. Last year’s injury somewhat prepared Stammen for retirement and he’s already looking forward to what’s next. Even if it hurts. “I’m fighting back tears talking to certain people,” Stammen told Acee. “But I feel really at peace. I kind of knew this was a possibility last year, even in July. I kind of went through the whole grieving process.”
The pitcher said he had prepared himself even for the last game he played and this development isn’t all that shocking. Now, even if his future doesn’t involve baseball in some way, he’s still hopeful about it. “Even though the playing days are probably over, hopefully there are some other days — maybe within the game of baseball or without it — that are going to be very positive and uplifting and a lot of fun,” he continued.
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Written by
Edited by
Gideon Mathson