What You've Been Waiting For: An Eric Gagne Update

I know that at least a few of you have been wondering what Eric Gagne was up to these days.

Eric Gagne Ends Comeback Attempt
Connor Byrne, MLB Trade Rumours

Former star closer Eric Gagne has elected to end his comeback bid, reports Chris Cotillo of SB Nation. The 41-year-old told Cotillo that he plans to turn his attention to coaching.

Gagne, who last pitched in the majors in 2008 and retired for the first time in 2010, decided in February that he would attempt to get back to the leagues. He then impressed out of Team Canada's bullpen during the World Baseball Classic, which led multiple teams to show interest in Gagne. The Dodgers, with whom Gagne spent the majority of his career, even discussed a minor league contract with him in early April, but no agreement came to fruition with them or any other major league organization. Undeterred, Gagne signed with the independent Long Island Ducks two-plus weeks ago. He didn't fare well over 3 2/3 innings, though, leading him to wrap up his playing career for good.

Gagne debuted in the majors as a starter in 1999 and went on to pitch for four teams ... He won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2007 ... Gagne appeared in the Mitchell Report in 2004 for using human growth hormone ... [and] alleged that 80 percent of his Dodgers teammates used performance-enhancing drugs.

I was surprised to see that Gagne pitched in five postseason games for the 2007 Red Sox. Only one of them was in a high-leverage situation, so perhaps my amnesia is understandable.

ALDS: Leading 9-0 in Game 3, the Red Sox were three outs away from clinching the series. Gagne's first batter doubled, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a sac fly. That ruined the shutout, but Gagne got the next two batters.

ALCS: In the ninth inning of Game 1, Boston led 10-2. Gagne allowed two hits and one walk, but no runs. In Game 2, Gagne began the top of the 11th inning, with the score tied 6-6. His three batters: strikeout, single, walk. Both baserunners eventually later scored, as Cleveland won 13-6. Gagne's next appeared was in the ninth inning of Game 6, preserving a 12-2 lead by retiring three straight batters.

WS: In Game 1, with Boston leading 13-1, Gagne retired the Rockies in order in the bottom of the ninth.