San Francisco Giants legend Sergio Romo took to the mound one last time at Oracle Park in the team's final Grapefruit League game of 2023 — and immediately got a pitch clock violation on Monday.

Romo entered the exhibition game so that he could retire as a member of the Giants, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, but his first batter was awarded a ball as he took too long to throw the first pitch.

If there was ever a time to put away the MLB pitch clock, it probably would have been there. Still, it was an emotional night for the former star and three-time World Series Champion.

He was as dependable an arm out of the bullpen as any in recent memory for the Giants, and it was a great moment for all involved at Oracle Park to watch him pitch one last time.

Still, the emotional moment was interrupted by the pitch clock, which will most certainly happen frequently in the MLB's first season with the new rule.

“Here’s the problem: He took too long before his first pitch,” wrote Charles Curtis of USA Today on Tuesday. “And was called for a pitch clock violation. His reaction? He could only laugh. And that’s really the only reaction you can have, even though I want the Giants to appeal this. Give the man all the time he needs!!!”

Hard to disagree with that take, but it was still a seemingly smooth night for Sergio Romo and the fans in attendance:

“I'd rather go out smiling than with tears in my eyes,” Romo emotionally said in a mic'd up moment after he was taken out.

 

There may have been tears in his eyes, but the 40-year-old received a well-deserved standing ovation from the appreciate crowd in attendance, and although the pitch clock might have derailed it for a moment, it was an excellent send-off for the three-time champ.