Mike Lieberthal Couldn't Cut it in the Mexican League, Retires

After 14 years in the bigs, former Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal is hanging it up. The Dodgers decided not to pick up his $1.5 million option back in October, and at 36, Lieby wasn't interested in looking for a new home with another club.

Among the highlights of his career, most of which was spent with the Phillies, Lieberthal was a two-time All-Star, and in 1999, he registered 31 HR and 96 RBI while batting .300.

According to Tony Jackson of Inside the Dodgers/LA Daily News, we may still see Lieberthal around the game from time to time.

Lieberthal said he would like to stay in the game in some capacity, possibly in broadcasting, but that he has no desire to coach because it would require him to start again in the low minors and work his way up.

>>Lieberthal Retires [Inside the Dodgers]

Comments

[Ricky]

Wait, he doesn't want to have to work for a coaching spot in the big leagues? He wants it handed to him?

I guess that goes to show his work ethic.

[Heywood]

How's your wife and my kids

[GM-Carson]

I wanted him gone the last few years in Philly, but overall I have fond memories of him.

[Chris]

I always liked Lieby. I was sad to see him go, even though it was definitely the right thing to do, given the emergence of better catchers in the system (i.e. Ruiz).

When you think about it, Lieby was destined for failure because he had the "luck" of replacing Darren Daulton, one of the most beloved athletes in this town during the 90s. Daulton was a leader, he was tough, gritty, and wasn't afraid to take charge of a situation (even though he's nuts now). Lieberthal on the other hand always seemed like a pretty decent guy to me, although the role of a leader was something he just didn't want.

Lieberthal's years in Philly will most likely be remembered for epitomizing the "lazy days" of the team when we had to rely on other boring individuals for veteran leadership like Abreu and Burrell.

Were it not for injury, I think Lieby would have been a much better player than he turned out to be. There's no doubt that Ed Wade overpaid him for that one good year that he had. Either way, best of luck in retirement Lieby.

[Chris]

FYI...I was not writing an obituary there, even though it sure looks that way.

[johndewar]

Lieby came to represent the general malaise of the franchise in the B.U./B.H. years (Before Utley/Before Howard). Let's not forget he forged 1/2 of the infamous "black hole" in the Phils lineup with HGH user David Bell.

At one time, he was probably the 2nd best catcher in the NL behind Piazza, but he was never any good at actually handling pitchers, with several pitchers preferring not to pitch to him at all.

[Matt P]

JD, funny you should connect Lieby and Bell... when looking over Lieby's career stats, it was interesting to me that he had his best season (by far) in 1999.

[themajor]

did you guys get invaded by girls from a porn site? just looking at all the commenters on the right

[Matt P]

I guess it's possible. I always just assumed they were Enrico's friends.

[PJ]

F Lieby
He retired years ago when he got that contract. Take your mask off when covering the plate, you big sissy.

[Beren]

I'm lukewarm on Lieberthal. I was fond of him, but overall unimpressed with his later years and a bit disappointed. It seemed like he wasn't exerting himself to improve his play, so I wasn't sad to see him go, despite the fact it felt like he was with us forever (12 years is nearly half my existence, and a majority of my sports conscious life). Coste certainly represents the spirit and work ethic we embrace in Philly, and Ruiz is the rare young talent that is coveted these days at the catcher position.

[Chris]

Seeing Rod Barajas was what made me start to appreciate Lieberthal.

[Gaze]

Lieberthal saved my 1999 fantasy baseball team and for that I remain grateful.