ARLINGTON, Texas – Prince Fielder wiped away tears, pointed to his two sons sitting next to him and talked about being in big league clubhouses since he was their age.
Still wearing a neck brace 12 days after a second cervical fusion, the burly 32-year-old Fielder wept Wednesday as he said health issues were forcing him to end his 12-season career.
"To not be able to play, it's going to be tough," said Fielder, once one of the most durable players in the majors.
His sons — one who turns 12 next week and the other 10 — sat with him, mostly with their heads down and also shedding tears. They have been regulars at the ballpark with their dad, much like he often was with his father, Cecil, who played 13 seasons.
"The kids actually love baseball more than Prince. It was a sad moment," teammate Elvis Andrus said.
All of Fielder's teammates, along with Rangers coaches and staff, filled the interview room to support him.
"Even though I know I struggled personally this year, this was actually the most fun I've ever had and the best I've ever felt mentally about baseball," Fielder said. "That's the only thing that really hurts about not being able to play is that my brain was really good, with my body, just, you know, it just gave out."
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