Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax, who’s been in the Dodgers’ spring training camp this weekend, released a statement through the team Sunday announcing his formal retirement as a special advisor to Chairman Mark Walter.
“I’m 80 years old and I have retired,” the statement read. “I have not quit. I’m still part of the Dodgers’ organization and always will be especially as long as Mark and Kimbra Walter are part of ownership. I will do most of what I have done in the past with no official title. I hope all the players, coaches, manager and everyone else in the clubhouse have successful and healthy seasons with a spectacular ending. See you Opening Day.”
Unlike in recent years, Koufax did not speak to reporters on the record during his annual visit to camp, leaving the statement to stand as his only interaction with the press. Koufax was appointed a special advisor prior to the 2013 season and has been a fixture in camp each year, mostly working with pitchers during their bullpen sessions.
Opening Day is April 4 in San Diego. The Dodgers’ home opener is April 12 against the San Francisco Giants.
