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John Wathan has decided to retire and leave the MLB world after almost 50 years. John Wathan made his debut back in 1976 for the Kansas City Royals. He spent the best moments of his career there and played 860 matches in 9 years.
After he finished his career, Wathan was the manager of the Kansas City Royals and the California Angels. However, his adventure in California did not last long, and he joined the Royals player development department in 1999.
Wathan is happy about the career he has achieved and many successes. John is grateful to everyone for their support and to those who have been part of his career from the very beginning. “I’m very fortunate to have worked with the Royals, the classiest organization in baseball, and with so many great people through the years,” he said.
“I’m grateful for the tremendous support from all the great Royals fans throughout the years, and my wife Nancy and I are proud to have made Kansas City our home and be part of this community. This was my dream as a kid, and I have had a full and blessed life to join this organization at 21 and work here until almost turning 73”.
- Wathan said, as quoted by mlb.com
J.J. Picollo on John Wathan: I want to thank Duke
J.J. Picollo, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager thanked Wathan for everything and praised his great career.
Indeed, he will be remembered as one of the most important people on the MLB scene. “We are proud to celebrate Duke for his 47 years as a Royal,” said J.J. Picollo, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager.
“Not many people walking this earth have done so many things for one organization. Personally, I want to thank Duke for his complete honesty, regardless of the situation, and how he represents the game of baseball”.