The Horse Rides Off: Matt Cain to Retire at End of 2017 Season

Programming note: Watch the encore presentation of Matt Cain's perfect game from 2012 -- This Saturday, Sept. 30 immediately following Warriors basketball  at 8 p.m. and Sunday morning Oct. 1, at 8 a.m. on NBC Sports Bay Area. 

PHOENIX -- The Giants have spent weeks working on a plan to have Matt Cain make one final start for them this weekend. Cain announced Wednesday that Saturday's appearance will actually be the last one of his big league career. 

Before the final road game of his 13th big league season, Cain held a closed-doors meeting to tell his teammates that he will retire. He announced his intentions to the media a few minutes later.

"This weekend will definitely be my last time putting on a Giants uniform, and I can't see myself going anywhere else to play with another team," Cain said. "This organization has meant so much to me and so much to my family. It's something that's dear to my heart. I'm just grateful that it's been a part of my life. I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed it so much."

Cain, who turns 33 on Sunday, will be the fourth player in franchise history to play their entire career with the Giants and play at least 10 seasons. He joins Jim Davenport, Scott Garrelts and Robby Thompson. Cain said playing only for the Giants was a big factor in his decision. 

"I feel like that's what makes this a little easier," he said. "I started in 2002 getting picked up by the Giants and I know that's the way I'm going to go out. I can't picture myself putting a different uniform on."

Cain was the first round pick for the Giants in 2002 and made his MLB debut in 2005. The longest-tenured Giant has 104 career wins and a 3.69 ERA. He will finish with 331 regular season starts with the Giants, second in their San Francisco history. Juan Marichal started 446 games for the San Francisco Giants. 

Cain threw the only perfect game in franchise history in June of 2012 and saved his best for the biggest moments. In eight postseason starts, Cain had a 2.10 ERA. He pitched the clinching game in all three series during the 2012 title run. 

Cain made three All-Star teams and finished in the top 10 of the Cy Young Award voting twice before arm injuries slowed his career. He has dealt with several ailments since winning the second of three titles, but throughout, Cain has been one of the most respected players in the clubhouse and a sounding board for waves of young pitchers. 

Cain said he made the decision over the past week and told Bobby Evans, Bochy, Dave Righetti and some longtime teammates on Tuesday. When he announced on Tuesday that Cain would make one more start, Bochy said it would be a special day for the entire organization. 

"With what he's done for the Giants organization, he's been here since day one with me, and I wanted him to make this start at home," Bochy said. "I'm sure it's going to be emotional for him. It's important for us and for Matt to have a start there the last homestand. Matt has been great through all of this and he has provided leadership. This is going to be a special game for him and for us."

The moment will mark the end of an era in franchise history. Cain saw it all, and he said that's what he'll remember most about his time in orange and black. Asked for his greatest moment, he pointed to the growth of the organization. 

"Hey, you know what, we had some amazing seasons and won it all," he said. "Not many people get to see the bottom of the barrel and the top of the barrel. That's really special to me."

Copyright CSNBY - CSN BAY
Contact Us