Hudson gets heartfelt final sendoff

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tim Hudson walked out to the field one last time Saturday afternoon to be greeted by his teammates and family as the Giants organization honored the veteran pitcher for his career accomplishments and wished him well with his retirement.

Longtime Giants broadcaster Jon Miller, who hosted the pregame ceremony, was the first to congratulate Hudson. Miller guided fans to the scoreboard screen where former coaches and teammates, including retired Braves manager Bobby Cox, sent their wishes to the veteran in video form.

Giants president Larry Baer, manager Bruce Bochy and Saturday's starting pitcher, Jake Peavy, all stepped to the podium to offer their thoughts on Hudson's achievements on and off the field.

Hudson rapidly became immersed in the Giants family in just two seasons. He's mentioned multiple times over the past two weeks the lasting relationships he made with various members within the organization.

Video: Hudson excited to win first championship with Giants

Baer thanked Hudson for bringing another championship to San Francisco, and the pitcher thanked the organization for helping him earn his first World Series ring.

Hudson's phenomenal 17-year career concludes with 222 wins, the most in the Majors among active players, a 3.49 ERA and 2,080 strikeouts in 3,126 2/3 innings. He was named to the All-Star team four times, but his greatest accolade, he says, was winning a championship.

"I had hopes of winning a world championship and it's funny how things fall into place," Hudson said. "Winning that World Series with [the Giants] was the icing on the cake for my career."