Dennis Eckersley retires after 50 years in the Major Leagues

Boston. It was 50 years dedicated to baseball, first as a pitcher who reached the Hall of Fame, then as a commentator. But finally Dennis Eckersley said enough is enough.

Eckersley, 67, announced Monday that he will no longer work in the Red Sox booth because he wants to spend more time with his family.

“After 50 years in the Major Leagues, I am starting a new chapter in my life,” Eckersley said. “I will continue to be an ambassador for the club and a proud member of Red Sox Nation as I transition to a life away from baseball with my wife Jennifer, my children and my grandchildren.”

Eckersley was drafted by Cleveland while still in high school in 1972. He pitched 24 seasons in the majors, starting and closing games. He won 20 games as a starter on one occasion and also had 50 saves in a season as a reliever playing for Cleveland, Boston, the Cubs and the Cardinals.

He won the Cy Young and the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1992 with the Oakland Athletics.

He joined NESN in 2003 and was noted for his colorful and outspoken style as a commentator on broadcasts of the Boston games.

He was selected six times to the All-Star Game. He went 197-171 in his career with a 3.50 ERA in a career in which he pitched 100 complete games as a starter before becoming a closer, a role he honed to 390 saves.