© Neville E. Guard | 2018 Aug 27
Hunter Strickland reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, two months after the Giants elected to non-tender the reliever following five up and down seasons with the organization.
Strickland’s final season with the Giants in 2018 was particularly trying, including a June 18 incident when he punched a door and broke his pitching hand after blowing a save. This came a year after Strickland decided to controversially intentionally hit Bryce Harper sparking a benches-clearing brawl, in retaliation for Harper hitting two home runs off him during the 2014 postseason.
On Friday Strickland posted a lengthy message on Instagram thanking the Giants organization, former teammates, and fans.
“Thank you to all of our fans/supporters!” Strickland wrote. “I realize I’ve probably caused some of you to skip a few heartbeats. (Or maybe more than a few) But regardless, thank you for always filling the seats and supporting our team through the ups and the downs. It would not be possible for us to provide for our families by playing this wonderful game if it wasn’t for all of you! Coming out and seeing the excitement on these kids’ faces and the stands full is something in itself! So again, Thank you!”
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