Former Twins closer Joe Nathan, who will be 43 in November, is officially retiring. The Twins will hold a press conference for Nathan on Friday at Target Field, and will also honor him with a video tribute that night. He will throw out the first pitch before the game against Kansas City.
![CARLOS GONZALEZ '\u20AC' cgonzalez@startribune.comMarch 1, 2011 Fort Myers, Florida, Lee County Sports Complex / Hammond Stadium, MLB, Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Spring Training 2011 ] Twins pitcher Joe Nathan in the fourth inning during Tuesday'\u20ACTMs outing vs. the Red Sox. The appearance was Nathan'\u20ACTMs first time pitching in a game since March 6, 2010.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Z7RDPNPW6WPGMITSAMLWNKX2KA.jpg?&w=1080)
Nathan, a six-time All-Star, has battled injuries over the past several seasons. He pitched in 10 games last season for the Giants and Cubs, and was released by the Nationals early this season.
Nathan pitched in 460 games in seven seasons with the Twins (2004-09 and 2011, missing 2010 because of Tommy John surgery on his right elbow). He had 260 of his 376 career saves (eighth in MLB history) with Minnesota. He was a four-time All-Star with the Twins and a two-time All-Star for the Texas Rangers, with whom he signed as a free agent in 2012.
Nathan became a closer in 2004 after the Twins -- making Joe Mauer the team's full-time catcher -- traded catcher A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants for pitchers Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano and Nathan. He started his career in the Giants organization as a shortstop before being converted to a pitcher.
