Battista announces retirement
July 20, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release
Boston, MA (July 20, 2006) - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse announced today midfielder Mike Battista will retire due to the effects of post-concussion syndrome. Battista suffered the third concussion of his MLL career on June 10 against the Los Angeles Riptide. Battista, 28, has missed four games this season following the injury. He missed four games in 2002 and one game in 2005 with concussions.
Battista is one of Boston's original "assigned players" and has been with the organization since 2001. A Newton, MA native, Battista remains one of the most popular players in Cannons history. In 63 career games Battista scored 100 goals, 12 two-point goals, recorded 15 assists for a career total of 127 points. He was named team co-captain with fellow Cannons original Ryan Curtis in 2006.
"This was a very difficult decision to make," said Battista. "I love playing for the Cannons and in front of the great fans of Boston. But after consulting with my doctor I determined it was in my best interest to stop playing so I can fully heal from my previous concussions."
"I'd like to thank the fans and the Cannons organization for their great support over the past six seasons," Battista continued. "Playing professional lacrosse for my hometown team is something I will never forget. While I won't be playing on the field, I will be there to support my teammates. I think we have a great team this season and I will do everything I can from the sidelines to help us bring a championship to Boston."
Battista is fourth on Boston's all-time point scoring list. He is fourth in Cannons history in goals and third in two-point goals. Only Ryan Curtis has appeared in more games in a Cannons uniform.
"The Cannons and lacrosse in New England as whole could not have asked for a better ambassador than Mike Battista," said Matt Dwyer, Cannons President. "Mike is the consummate professional on and off the field. He will always have a place with the Cannons organization and we will sorely miss seeing him out on the field."
"Concussions are very serious," continued Dwyer. "Mike is making the right decision and as an organization we are here to support him in any way we can."
The Cannons will honor Battista in a ceremony at halftime of their August 5 game against the Baltimore Bayhawks.
"We want to say thank you to Mike for all he has meant to and done for the Boston Cannons," said Jason Chandler, Cannons General Manager. "While Mike is a tremendous player, he is an even better person off the field. He has done so much for the sport of lacrosse in this area. It is tough to see Mike go but his health is priority one and we fully respect and support his decision to retire."
Battista, a 2000 graduate of Loyola College, scored the first goal in Cannons history on June 9, 2001. Battista has consistently improved his on field performance each season. He set career highs in goals, two-point goals, assists and points in 2005.
He was off to a good start in 2006. In four games Battista scored 9 goals, 2 two-point goals and 2 assists for 13 points.
"You cannot replace a guy like Mike," said Bill Daye, Cannons Head Coach. "He brings so much to the table on offense and defense plus he has great leadership skills."
"Having gone through what Mike is going through I know how tough it is," Daye continued (Daye was forced to retire from the Cannons in 2002 due to injury). "But knowing the type of guy Mike is he'll continue to be a leader and help us win games from the sidelines."
Battista is also one of the Cannons best "money" players. He is tied atop the Cannons all-time postseason goal scoring list with nine (along with Kevin Leveille). Battista is the MLL's all-time leader in postseason two-point goals and ninth on the all-time MLL postseason points list.
In addition to playing in each of the six seasons in MLL history, Battista also appeared as 2000 MLL Summer Showcase participant. He was an All-American at Loyola notching 72 career goals. He led Newton North High School to two Massachusetts State Championships.
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