<p>NEW YORK — Jerry Blevins, a left-handed reliever who split the bulk of his career between the Oakland Athletics and New York Mets, announced his retirement after 13 big league seasons Tuesday night.</p>
<p>The 37-year-old last pitched in the majors for Atlanta in 2019. He had been working at the Mets’ alternate training site in Brooklyn after failing to land a bullpen spot out of spring training.</p>
<p>He <a href="https://twitter.com/jerryblevins/status/1387183305154514953">announced </a> his retirement on Twitter, saying he looked forward to sleeping in his own bed, giving up the routine of icing his arm and “being a better father, husband, brother, son, friend to the many people I’ve neglected in pursuit of my dream.”</p>
<p>Blevins was a 17th-round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 and debuted in the majors with Oakland in 2007. He was with the A’s through 2013, compiling a 3.30 ERA. After struggling in 2014 with Washington, he ended up with the Mets, where he had two of his best seasons in 2016 and ’17. </p>
<p>He finishes his career 30-13 with a 3.54 ERA and seven saves in 609 games.</p>
<p>Engaging and funny on social media and in person, Blevins was a fan favorite in Queens.</p>
<p>“I’ll see you guys at Citi Field tomorrow,” <a href="https://twitter.com/jerryblevins/status/1387187072973291520?s=20">he wrote. </a> “Bringing my family to a ball game. Gonna have a beer and a hotdog and watch the @Mets. I’ve always been a fan first.”</p>
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