Former big league player Marwin Gonzalez announced he is retiring, through a press release from the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball, the club he’s played with for the past two years. Yahoo Japan had reported on his retirement plans prior to the official announcement. “After two amazing years in Japan, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” González says in his statement.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates, coaches, and fans for welcoming me with open arms. Despite the language barrier, we formed a bond with ease, making every moment on the field special. Playing here has been a life-changing experience, especially getting to share it with my family.
Japan will always hold a special place in our hearts. I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity, the memories, and the friendships made along the way. Thank you for welcoming me into your world and for the endless support.
You have all my respect. Arigatou gozaimasu.” Gonzalez, now 35, got his professional start when the Cubs signed him as an international amateur out of Venezuela and he made his minor league debut in 2006.
In the 2011 Rule 5 draft, the Astros used the first pick to take Rhiner Cruz from the Mets, but also apparently had their eye on Gonzalez. With the 23rd pick of the draft, the Red Sox took Gonzalez and promptly flipped him to the Astros for Marco Duarte . The second of those pickups ended up being far more impactful for the franchise, as Cruz tossed just 76 1/3 innings for .