Veteran reliever David Robertson, 40, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Friday after 17 seasons across eight teams. Known for his clutch performances and nicknamed 'Houdini,' he earned one All-Star selection and a World Series ring with the Yankees. Off the field, Robertson's charitable efforts through High Socks for Hope have impacted thousands.
David Robertson's Major League journey began nervously on June 29, 2008, when the Yankees rookie from Alabama debuted against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Pitching before 56,277 fans just two years after being drafted in the 17th round of 2006, he allowed one run on four hits in two innings, striking out one but uncorking a wild pitch. Despite the shaky start, Robertson proved his mettle over nearly two decades.
His breakthrough came in 2009 as a key setup man for the Yankees' last World Series championship team. Earned the nickname 'Houdini' for escaping late-inning jams, he became a reliable reliever. In 2011, he made the American League All-Star team, posting a 1.08 ERA in 70 games and receiving Cy Young and MVP votes. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the Yankees' closer, replacing Mariano Rivera and notching 30-plus saves each year, including 39 in 2014.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi praised his poise: 'Even in all the years he set up for Mo, David was a closer in the moment that you needed him. There was no moment that was ever too big for him. I always had the utmost confidence in him.' Robertson appeared in the postseason 10 times, won the 2017 World Baseball Classic with Team USA, and earned silver in the 2021 Olympics. His career stats include 179 saves and a 2.93 ERA with a 31.9 percent strikeout rate.
Beyond baseball, Robertson and his wife Erin founded High Socks for Hope in 2011 after tornadoes devastated Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Named for his high-sock style, the foundation has helped build and furnish 20,000 homes in 17 states following disasters, including current efforts in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. They support homeless veterans, terminally ill children, and pancreatic cancer research—personal after Erin's father passed in 2016. Twice nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, Robertson's hands-on involvement includes rebuilding homes, like installing drywall in Chicago.
Judy Holland, executive director of the foundation, said: 'I just don’t think David gets the credit he deserves for all the things he does. His heart is huge. He jumped straight in and has never given up on it.' While his pitching career ends, his relief work continues.
