Joe Kelly, a fan favorite of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has announced he is stepping away from professional baseball. The veteran reliever, known for his fiery competitiveness and memorable moments on the mound, revealed on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast that he’s done pitching, ending a career that included key contributions to the Dodgers’ 2020 and 2024 World Series championships and countless highlights that endeared him to Southern California fans.
Kelly’s rise to Dodgers cult hero status included memorable moments like striking out Astros star Carlos Correa in 2020 and celebrating with a now-iconic pouty face, sparking excitement across Dodger Stadium. He also famously attended the White House wearing a charro jacket gifted by a fan, further cementing his status as a character fans adored.
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The End of the Playing Days
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At 37, Kelly has now announced that he is stepping away from professional baseball.
“I ain’t playing,” Kelly told Rob Bradford on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast.
“There’s no such thing as retirement for athletes. Retiring is something my grandmother did. Let’s cancel the word retirement. It’s used for people who served in the military, for people who worked till 65. You guys deserve to retire, athletes don’t.”
Though he battled injuries and had limited availability during the 2024 postseason, Kelly maintained hope of returning in 2025—a comeback that never materialized.
“Time is on this side. My last bullpen yesterday was great. I finally got my breaking balls back. They’re spinning good, spinning hard. Two different shapes. That was the last thing besides ultimate command,” he said.
A Legacy With the Dodgers
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Kelly made 161 appearances for Los Angeles since joining in 2019, pitching 147.2 innings with a 3.72 ERA. He was a key part of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series-winning roster, helping the team capture the championship after defeating Houston in the Fall Classic.
Despite leaving for the Chicago White Sox in 2022, Kelly eventually returned to the Dodgers via trade, though injuries continued to limit his impact. Fans remember him not for longevity or stats alone, but for personality, competitiveness, and memorable moments that energized the fan base.
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Dodgers on the Rise Without Kelly
While Kelly’s playing days are likely over, the Dodgers continue to thrive. Back-to-back World Series titles over the past two seasons, including wins over the Yankees and Blue Jays, have solidified Los Angeles as a powerhouse once again. With new additions like star reliever Edwin Diaz, the Dodgers remain favorites for the 2026 season.
“He may be done playing, but he’ll always be a Dodgers fan favorite,” said observers. “From iconic celebrations to championship contributions, his legacy in Los Angeles is secure.”
Kelly’s announcement is bittersweet for fans, but it comes with the understanding that his impact on the Dodgers and Southern California baseball will be remembered fondly for years to come.