At 42, Roberto Hernandez Is (Finally) Considering Retirement

Heading towards the end of what's been a lengthy, and mostly successful career, Roberto Hernandez is conceding the fact that there are some aspects of today's game that he doesn't like. I'm sure having a six ERA is one of those factors. Also on that list, is the attitude of today's young players.

Hernandez said he learned how to pitch because teammates such as Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillen and Bobby Thigpen were tough on him early in his career. He recalled how Guillen called timeout during games to scream at him on the mound.

Something like that would never happen today, Hernandez said.
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He said retirement crossed his mind Saturday night. Ducking for safety to avoid a comebacker in the 14th inning, he found himself turned around and facing center field. He look up at the scoreboard, which told him it was 12:05 a.m. Sunday. It was his wife's birthday.

"I don't know how much longer I can do this," he said.

Funny thing is, I'm not sure how much longer anyone else will want him to do this -- with the exception of opposing batters, of course. Then again, just the fact that Hernandez has hung on this long is impressive. The guy was still an effective pitcher at 41, but he's definitely losing it at 42. Let's hope he calls it quits at the end of the year in order to preserve his legacy.