D-backs’ Lovullo thanks Iannetta: ‘Was a great influence’ in skipper’s 1st year
Aug 8, 2020, 4:33 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta (8) greets manager Torey Lovullo after scoring on a base hit by Paul Goldschmidt during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Thursday, June 8, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
As the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Zoom call with reporters was about to end Saturday afternoon, manager Torey Lovullo said he had another topic he wanted to talk about.
“Chris Iannetta, I understand that today he announced his retirement,” Lovullo said. “I just want to publicly say congrats Chris on an unbelievable career and good luck in the next chapters.”
Iannetta, who played for the Diamondbacks in 2017, announced the end of his 14-year MLB career on Saturday afternoon.
The 37-year-old, who signed with the New York Yankees this offseason, was designated for assignment last week. He had told the Yankees that he would retire sooner than playing in the minor leagues, according to The Athletic, and announced that decision Saturday.
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Iannetta joined the D-backs the same year Lovullo became manager. The catcher was an important piece to the playoff team and was behind the plate for 89 games, the most of any D-back that season.
Lovullo said Iannetta had helpful guidance to the first-year manager.
“He was a great influence on me in my first year, he was a steady hand, he gave me great information and he helped me learn as a young manager,” Lovullo said. “So I wanted to say thanks for that and continued success in whatever direction you go in.”
