Righty reliever Jesse Chavez announced his retirement Thursday on Foul Territory, ending a storied career that included multiple stints with several different teams, including two different tours of duty with the Cubs. Originally selected by the Cubs in the 39th round of the 2001 draft, Chavez opted to attend Riverside City College for a year. He was then taken by the Rangers in the 42nd round and debuted six years later.
“I don’t think we’re gonna keep going,” Chavez explained. “I think this is it, time to turn the page, focus on the next chapter in life and go help all the young kids, all the stuff that I did so they don’t have to take two steps backwards and take those three steps forward.