Shortstop Andrelton Simmons says depression and suicidal thoughts led to his decision to opt out during the final week of the Los Angeles Angels’ regular season in 2020, telling the Orange County Register that “the idea of ending the season in a bubble too close was too much for me to handle. “
Simmons, who recently finalized a one-year $ 10.5 million contract with the Minnesota Twins, chose to share his story in writing, through a series of direct messages on Twitter, rather than verbally, because “ it’s still difficult to get certain put things into words. Open.”
The Angels announced on September 22 that Simmons had signed out for the last five games of the regular season. No additional information was provided, although Simmons said in a statement that he felt this was “the best decision for me and for my family.” At the time, the Angels remained mathematically in the race for the second wildcard and second place in the AL West. While their chances of making it to the post-season were slim, league rules required potential playoff teams to quarantine that week in preparation for upcoming playoff games.
“It was mentally difficult for me where the thought of suicide came to mind,” Simmons told the Register. “I swore a long time ago I would never consider it again. I was lucky enough to talk to a therapist, which helped me let go of those thoughts. At the end, when a lot of people were still preoccupied with what most would think of When times are tough, the idea of ending the season in a bubble was too much for me. ”
Simmons played in only 30 games during the shortened regular season, missing time due to an ankle injured for a third consecutive summer. He told the Registry it was difficult to focus on baseball while so many people struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The first time was driving through Oakland and seeing some shops and restaurants trying to stay open with all the homeless people camping outside,” he said. “Then it really hit me.”
Simmons began communicating with a therapist, but his hesitations about entering a playoff bubble persisted.
“I was really sad at how much I heard about the death toll, and when I watched smaller companies go out of business, and I was a little depressed about how the effects of all the new rules and fears would affect people’s livelihoods and how disconnected people got started to become, ”he said.
Simmons told the Registry that at the time he was not aware of his reasons for unsubscribing “because I don’t like the idea of explaining every detail of my life” and “was afraid that people would judge and story. ”But he said he had changed his mind when he realized that being open about his situation can help others who are struggling.
This report uses information from ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.