David Robertson will not be back to pitch in an 18th Major League season, the former Paul Bryant High School and Alabama standout announced on Friday. Robertson shared his retirement news via social media in a message “to all the incredible organizations, teammates, coaches, staff members and fans who have been part of my baseball journey.”

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to hang up my spikes and retire from the game I’ve loved for as long as I can remember,” Robertson wrote. “Baseball has given me more than I ever dreamed possible over the last 19 seasons, from winning a World Series, to pitching in an All-Star Game, to representing the United States and bringing home a World Baseball Classic gold and an Olympic silver. I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside amazing teammates, learning from outstanding coaches and being welcomed into organizations that felt like family. To the trainers, clubhouse staff, front offices and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for all that you do. And to the fans who supported me, thank you. Your passion fueled me every single day.

“Most importantly, thank you to my wife and children. Your love, sacrifice, patience and dedication made this career possible. As I step away from the game, I’m excited to be home with my family, to focus on our farms and to continue growing High Socks for Hope. Helping families rebuild after disaster has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life outside baseball.

“Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but I do so with deep gratitude for every opportunity, challenge and memory. I’ll forever be thankful for the game and for everyone who made this journey extraordinary.”

Last season, Robertson did not sign with the Philadelphia Phillies until July. He pitched in 20 regular-season games with a 4.08 earned-run average, 2-0 record and two saves. In 17.2 innings, the right-hander yielded 18 hits and eight walks and struck out 22.

Robertson also appeared in one playoff game for the Phillies and suffered the only pitching loss in his 43 postseason appearances.

Robertson entered professional baseball as a 17th-round selection of the New York Yankees in the 2006 draft. He made his big-league debut on June 29, 2008.

Robertson spent the first six seasons of his MLB career as the setup man for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. In his first crack at being a closer, Robertson posted 39 saves for New York in 2014.

After signing with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent following that season, Robertson also pitched for the Yankees again, the Phillies (in three stints), Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers before the end of his career.

In 2008, when Robertson posted a 1.08 ERA in 70 relief appearances, he was selected for the American League All-Star team.

Robertson pitched for the Yankees when they won the 2009 World Series and for the Phillies when they lost the 2022 World Series.

In his MLB career, Robertson posted a 68-46 record with a 2.93 ERA and 179 saves in 881 games, all but one in relief. He ranks 35th in games pitched and 70th in saves in baseball history. In 894.1 innings, Robertson yielded 674 hits and 365 walks and struck out 1,176 batters.

Only two pitchers in MLB history have struck out more batters in fewer innings than Robertson – former Lee-Huntsville and Wallace State standout Craig Kimbrel and current Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman.

Robertson’s 43 postseason games are tied for the 10th-most for any Major League pitcher. With a 6-1 playoff record, Robertson is among the five pitchers in American and National League history with at least six postseason pitching wins and no more than one loss.

Robertson’s baseball career also includes a gold medal from the 2017 World Baseball Classic and a silver medal from the 2021 Summer Olympics.

Robertson sustained an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in the 2019 season. His comeback started with the U.S. National Team that finished as the runner-up at the Tokyo Games.

The injury kept Robertson from pitching in the Major Leagues between April 14, 2019, and Sept. 1, 2021.

Robertson will be 41 years old on April 9.