Daniel Bard announces his retirement from Major League Baseball

The former Tar Heel is now retiring for a second time, this one appearing to be for good.
Aug 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (52) pitches in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (52) pitches in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Daniel Bard is familiar with retirement.

Back in 2017, the former UNC baseball standout stepped away from the game, a move that he thought was for good. However, that passion for the sport of baseball came flowing back into his body, ultimately landing him back on a Major League mound in 2020.

The 2020 National League Comeback Player of the Year, Bard went on to pitch four seasons on his comeback tour, last appearing for the Colorado Rockies during the 2023 season.

After pitching in the Seattle Mariners minor league system this year, Bard has decided that it's now time to officially call it quits.

The now 40-year-old has announced that he's retiring for a second time, this one which appears to be for good. As part of his heartfelt Instagram post, here's part of what Bard had to say on his decision:

"I’ve retired as a player once before. In 2017, I felt chewed up and spit out by the game I had given everything to. I resented baseball. Throwing a baseball hadn’t felt like fun in years. Moving on was a massive weight off my shoulders.

This time, it’s different. I couldn’t be more appreciative for what baseball has done for me and my family. I found the fun and beauty in the game again. I’ve made countless friends around the country. I’ve been able to share the experiences, travel, the highs and lows with Adair and the kids, and they’re old enough to remember it this time. I got to pitch in a professional baseball game on my 40th birthday. I’ve come back from the yips multiple times, been through several surgeries and their rehabs, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the whole journey."

Over 9 seasons in the big leagues with the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies, Bard compiled a 31-35 record with a 3.74 ERA over 408 appearances. Mostly utilized as a reliever, Bard struck out 475 batters in 451.1 innings of work, as he even put together two seasons in which he recorded 20 or more saves, including a 34-save season in 2022.

Bard's comeback story was a remarkable one in itself, as the right-hander found his way back on the mound and excelled in his role. Now, the former Tar Heel knows he left it all out on the line, as he can now enjoy retirement with his family.

What a career it was for Daniel Bard, a player who will be remembered as a reliable bullpen arm in his almost decade of playing at the Major League level.