Venezuelan-born infielder Freddy Galvis has officially retired after a long career in professional baseball. He announced his retirement in an Instagram post showing some of his career highlights.
“What was once a dream has come true, and now it’s over,” Galvis wrote on Instagram. “After 19 years in professional baseball, my baseball career is coming to an end. Thanks to all my family and friends who have always supported me throughout these years. Thanks to all the coaches who helped me achieve my dream since I was a child. Thanks to the various organizations that gave me the opportunity to represent their jerseys.”
Galvis spent 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, with most of his time coming with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he also played in Nippon Professional Baseball, the Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional and the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. He was also a participant in the Caribbean Series.
He played 1,102 games at the big league level, but across all levels and leagues, he played in over 2,000 games. He played for the NPB’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2022 and 2023 and the LMB’s Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in 2024.
He played five seasons with the Aguilas del Zulia in the LVBP and one season with the Navegantes del Magallanes. Galvis was supposed to play in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, but ended up sitting out due to a groin injury.
He finished his MLB career with a .246/.292/.387 slash line, 109 home runs, 426 RBIs and 57 stolen bases.
Photo: Cincinnati Reds’ Freddy Galvis (3) fields and throws the ball during a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 25, 2020. The Tigers won 6-4. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
