San Francisco Giants Coach Explains Why He Quit

San Francisco Giants third base coach Tim Flannery, who stepped down from the position the day after the World Series, opened up behind his decision to end his 33-year career in baseball

More from MLB

Too much of a good thing can take its toll on your body, mind and soul, all three of which had eroded from Tim Flannery, who stepped down from his position as third base coach of the San Francisco Giants one day after he earned his third World Series ring in his eight seasons with the team.

The 57-year-old Flannery spoke with The San Francisco Chronicle about his decision, which concluded a 33-year career in baseball, including 11 seasons as an infielder with the San Diego Padres. Flannery said he had begun to ponder it at the beginning of the 2014 season, citing a long list of reasons behind his choice.

"“I call it the god-damned blessed road,” Flannery said. “I’ve buried friends. I’ve put friends in rehab. I’ve watched marriages dissolve. There’s a lot of collateral damage in this lifestyle I’ve had for 33 years. I’m going to send myself home safely.”"

Knee surgery in 2013, along with enduring the entire 2014 season with double vision in one eye, were also reasons behind Flannery’s choice to close the door on his career. He had been a popular name when managerial positions came open, but Flannery said he had no desire to become one.

Flannery did not rule out a potential return to the game, yet it is a decision that will not be made for quite some time.

More from FanSided

Home/MLB