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Atlanta Braves and the AJ Pierzynski Retirement Non-retirement Saga

By Fred Owens

Sep 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) is doused with water after the game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) is doused with water after the game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last night Atlanta Braves catcher AJ Pierzynski made his first start since returning from the DL, celebrated a single like it was a game winner, handed out cigars like he was retiring then said he wasn’t. Today he’s back on the DL with a hamstring injury and what exactly is going on remains a mystery.

In the bottom of the tenth inning on Saturday night Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski singled to left and celebrated in grand fashion on his way to first. He apparently thought he’d won the game by driving in Dansby Swanson from  second; unfortunately he hadn’t.

Swanson did exactly the right thing. On a ball hit in front of him, he froze to make sure it went through before advancing. As a result he only made it to third and AJ’s celebration looked premature. But wait there’s more.

Rumors, Assumptions and Twitter

Manager Brian Snitker removed AJ for a pinch runner, sensible since he had just returned from the DL and runs like molasses in winter anyway.  The odd part started when he returned to the dugout teammates surrounded him, hugging the notorious hugging averse backstop, patting him on the back culminating in a water cooler soaking.

This led Braves AJC beat writer David O’Brien to say that AJ was retiring.

Or not . . .

Next: To Retire or not to Retire-was that the Question?

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