Brett Phillips. Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

World Series hero retires, allowing Rays fans to reflect on happier time

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 2:31 PM ET

A former World Series hero announced his retirement on Monday, allowing fans of a team who has been home for weeks to reflect back on a happier time.

Brett Phillips decided to end his MLB career at only 31. The outfielder played seven MLB seasons, most recently last appearing in the big leagues in 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels.

But despite a career as a journeyman, one that even forced him to try his hand at pitching in an effort to get out of the minors, Phillips will always be remembered fondly by one of the five MLB teams he played for.

Shortly after news about Phillips' retirement spread across social media, the Tampa Bay Rays showed their former player some love on his way out.

And for those who may need a refresher or enjoy a walk down memory lane, Phillips' walk-off hit in Game 4 of the 2020 World Series capped off one of the wildest plays in postseason history.

Reminder: Baseball is fun. https://t.co/V7aehqahNz pic.twitter.com/kOFVcJ3PeD
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 6, 2025

At the time, Phillips game-winner gave the Rays an 8-7 comeback win over the Los Angeles Dodgers - they scored two in the bottom of the ninth to win the game and tie the series at 2-2.

But unfortunately for the Rays, that was the last game they would win in the series. The Dodgers would rebound from that heartbreaking loss with back-to-back wins, clinching Los Angeles' first World Series crown since 1988.

Oddly enough, that hit was Phillips' only hit in his seven games played that postseason and will now go down as the lone playoff hit of his career.

Despite the eventual series loss, Phillips' heroics will always hold a special place in the hearts of Rays fan and will forever make him a notable figure in MLB history.

Aside from his big World Series moment, Phillips recorded 160 career hits, 31 home runs, 99 RBI, 122 runs, 39 stolen bases and a .187/.272/347 slash line with 4.4 bWAR in 393 regular season games with the Brewers, Royals, Rays, Orioles and Angels.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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