Shortstop Andrelton Simmons says depression and suicidal thoughts led to his decision to quit during the last week of the 2020 regular season at the Los Angeles Angels, telling the Orange County Register that “the idea of ending the season in a bubble was too much for cope me. “
Simmons, who recently signed a $ 10.5 million one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, chose to share his story in writing, via a series of direct messages on Twitter, rather than verbally, because ” it’s still difficult to articulate certain things or to be open. “
The Angels announced on September 22 that Simmons had chosen not to participate in the last five games of the regular season. No further information was provided, although Simmons said in a statement that he felt it was “the best decision for me and my family”. At the time, the Angels mathematically remained in the race for the second wild card and second place in AL West. While their chances of reaching the postseason were minimal, league rules required potential playoff teams to be quarantined that week in preparation for the next playoff games.
“It was difficult for me mentally where the idea of suicide crossed my mind,” Simmons told the Register. “It was something I swore a long time ago that I would never consider again. I was fortunate enough to speak to a therapist, which helped me to forget those thoughts. In the end, when many people were still going through what most would think of such difficult times, the idea of ending the season in a bubble was too much for me. “
Simmons played only 30 games during the abbreviated regular season, losing time due to an ankle injury for the third consecutive summer. He told the Register that it was difficult to focus on baseball when so many people struggled in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The first time was driving through Oakland and seeing some of the shops and restaurants trying to stay open with all the homeless people camping outside,” he said. “That’s when it really hit me.”
Simmons began to communicate with a therapist, but his hesitations to get into a playoff bubble persisted.
“I was very sad about how much I was hearing about the death toll and seeing how small businesses were closing and I was a little depressed at how the effects of all the new rules and fears would affect people’s lives and how disconnected people were. becoming, “he said.
Simmons told the Register that he was not straightforward about his reasons for giving up at the time “because I don’t like the idea of having to explain all the details of my life” and “I was afraid that people would judge and distort my story.” But he said who changed his mind when he realized that being frank about his situation could help other people who are experiencing difficulties.
Information from ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez was used in this report.