Sergio Romo — a three-time World Series champion and San Francisco Giants legend after years of dependable pitching out of the bullpen — is retiring.
But before he hung up his spikes, the pitcher got on the mound one last time at Oracle Park in the Giants’ last spring training game of 2023.
It was an emotional moment for all involved, especially Romo, who stepped on to the mound and probably had to gather himself as he pitched one last time.
Here’s the problem: He took too long before his first pitch … and was called for a pitch clock violation. His reaction? He could only laugh. And that’s really the only reaction you can have, even though I want the Giants to appeal this. Give the man all the time he needs!!!
Sergio Romo is playing in an exhibition game at Oracle Park tonight so he can retire as a member of the Giants.
After Romo entered to an ovation, his first batter was awarded a ball because he took too long to throw the pitch pic.twitter.com/sen7aSbBJk
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 28, 2023
The rest of his appearance, from beginning to end, was awesome. Here’s his entrance and when he was taken out of the game by his former teammate Hunter Pence:
Sergio Romo enters to 'El Mechón' for one last time 😢 pic.twitter.com/oWni2adxbO
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) March 28, 2023
Hunter Pence comes to take Sergio Romo out of his final game.
Baseball 🥹pic.twitter.com/pZabxfD92Q
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 28, 2023
“I’d rather go out smiling than with tears in my eyes”
What a beautiful sendoff for Sergio Romo pic.twitter.com/LPqTUjZx4L
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 28, 2023
Fantastic, from beginning to end. Even with a pitch clock violation.
