One week ago, the Cleveland Guardians outlasted the Tampa Bay Rays for a 1-0 victory in 15 innings to clinch an American League Wild Card Series win.

That outcome was more significant than what it may seem like on the forefront.

It not only sent the Guardians to the divisional round to play the Yankees and ended the season of the Rays, but it also ended the professional baseball career of Buckeye South graduate Stan Boroski, who has spent the last 13 years as the Rays bullpen coach.

“My contract expires on Oct. 31, so I guess my first official day (of retirement) is Nov. 1, but I am retired,” Boroski said during a recent phone interview.

Boroski has been a fixture in the Rays’ bullpen. He’s been a part of two Tampa Bay teams that won the American League pennant, including as recently as the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign in which Tampa fell in seven games to the Dodgers. He’s definitely seen a lot during his tenure.

However, all good things must come to an end and this wasn’t a spur of the moment decision or one that Boroski didn’t wrestle with for many weeks and even months.

“My wife and I have been talking about (retirement) for the last few years now because our kids are of the age where they’re embarking into their (adult) lives and it was time for us to look into doing what we want to do for the rest of our lives.”

What exactly that is, however, is yet to be determined.

“I am really not sure what we’re going to do other than we plan to do some traveling and go on a couple of cruises, but first and foremost, I want to spend a calendar year at home,” Boroski admitted. “I’ve not been able to do that in a long, long time. I want to be able to enjoy my house for more than four months at a time and start and finish some projects.”

As he starts to look back on his career, Boroski didn’t hesitate when asked about a word to summarize his time in pro baseball.

“Incredible,” Boroski said. “I never envisioned doing what I did for as long as I did, but I consider myself extremely blessed.”

Boroski was the longest-tenured coach on the Rays staff. He worked under Joe Maddon and remained on the staff with Kevin Cash. Prior to joining the Rays, he was with the Astros for 18 seasons in varying capacities such as coach and scout throughout their minor league system.

“Both the Rays and Astros organizations were wonderful to work for,” Boroski said. “Just downright, quality people in both organizations.”

Boroski was hired by the Rays to work in analytics, which were just taking off at that time, and he quickly worked his way to a member of the coaching staff.

“Being part of the analytics development was unique,” Boroski said. “I wouldn’t change a thing about how it’s all played out. My career set up as perfectly as it could. It was like a perfect storm how it all came together.”

Because of the relationships and his genuine passion for the sport and organization, the retirement decision was tough, but it became clearer and clear as the days moved forward.

“Everyone in the organization took it well when I told them I was retiring,” Boroski said. “I don’t think anyone was surprised. I’d been there a long time and I’m no spring chicken. I was given an open door to come back should I ever get the urge, but I don’t anticipate that.”

The Rays showed their appreciation for Boroski during an on-field ceremony late last month. They presented him a framed jersey and he threw out the first pitch.

“I am really appreciative to the people who put that ceremony together,” Boroski said. “The Rays made sure Carol and our kids were there. It was really nice and unexpected. I just worked for some wonderful people.”

Boroski said his phone has been quite active since making his announcement that he was leaving the game. After all, you make a lot of relationships when you’re involved with anything as long as Boroski was in pro baseball.

“There are so many people you get to meet and come across through this game and all of sports,” Boroski said. “You’re experiencing and going through the same things with those people. Whether it’s the grind of the season, the ups and downs that come with each game and season; the travel, late nights, etc. You just form a special bond that lasts a lifetime.”

Boroski, who is a member of the OVAC Hall of Fame, called it “ironic” that his career ended in the state of Ohio. While the disappointment of defeat stung, Boroski took solace knowing that several members of his family, including his mother, Mary Lee, and his sisters were at Progressive Field for the series.

“It started and ended in Ohio,” Boroski said. “I didn’t want (the season) to end anywhere, really, but since it had to end, the fact that it ended in Cleveland with all of my family there, I couldn’t have scripted that any better.”

Boroski’s family has been his biggest fans ever since he was old enough to throw a baseball. From his prep days at Buckeye South to his collegiate career at Ohio University, to the summer sandlot leagues and through his journey in professional baseball, Boroski’s family has been with him every step of the way.

Though Boroski doesn’t plan to re-locate back to the Ohio Valley permanently, he knows he’ll be venturing north more often to visit his mother and sisters.

“My mom is excited for me, but (retirement) is going to be an adjustment for my family, too,” Boroski pointed out. “My mom watches all of the games and is like ‘what am I going to do now?’ That’s just how my family is. (My career) has been a part of everyone’s life because of how close we are and how often we stay in contact with each other.”

Boroski offered major kudos to his wife. Let’s be honest, Major League Baseball is a grind. Considering he’d leave for spring training in basically early February and the season — other than a few days around the All-Star Game and a handful of off days sprinkled in — runs daily for eight-plus months.

“Without my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to do this for as long as I did,” Boroski said. “She took care of our family when I was gone. She’s been supportive every day. It’s her time now. Actually, it’s our time.”

Indeed it is! Enjoy retirement, Stan! You’ve earned it!

SETH’S SCOOPS

WHEELING CENTRAL grad Chris Stephens announced late Thursday that he’s stepped down as the head boys basketball coach at Winfield High School. He had spent 13 years as part of the Winfield program, including the last five as head coach.

THE OHSAA is increasing the number of qualifiers to its state swimming championship. Though the number of divisions will remain at two, there will now be 32 individual qualifiers in each event with each district getting three automatic spots. The remaining 20 bids will be based on time.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com