Eric Byrnes is generally considered a funny guy as evidence of this video of him trying to feed his kid. I've listen to him on the Jim Rome show and local radio shows here in this area and was great each time. He guest hosted on KNBR in San Francisco before and killed it. So it could come as no surprise that Byrnes will be playing in a Softball Beer League.Byrnes, 34-years-old, was recently released by the Seattle Mariners. Byrnes knows that his playing days are basically over.
"I think this is the end," Byrnes said in an interview with MLB.com on Wednesday. "You never say never, but I think this is it. Parts of 11 seasons, man -- I gave everything I had to the game. I can look myself in the mirror and know that I gave it my all. I'm proud of that."
At least he can admit his playing days are over, ahem Brett Favre. Byrnes though is not done playing on a field. Byrnes will play for a softball team in Menlo Park, California sponsored by Dutch Goose. Yes Byrnes, who is still being paid 11 million dollars this year by the Arizona on the final year of his 3-year deal, will be playing for a Beer League softball team.
"This is going to be a blast," he said. "Playing with my buddies. I can't wait for my first hit. I'm going to ask for the ball."
Byrnes has always been a fan favorite in this area and was one of my favorite players. Fans are drawn to his loose style, like playing beer league softball. Besides playing softball, Brynes will spend more time with his wife and young daughter, surf and golf more, and will probably be hired by Fox or ESPN or TBS to provide commentary on baseball. Byrnes has plenty of post-baseball career options.
Good luck Byrnes, you'll be missed on the baseball diamond.
Byrnes feels end is here after release (MLB.com)
Even though he played for the A's, Byrnes was also one of my favorite players.
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