give a chance to a younger pitcher. On September 23, the Reds honored Arroyo with "Kickin' it With Bronson" night. Prior to the game, a ceremony was held with video tributes from manager Bryan Price and singer Eddie Vedder. After the game, Arroyo held a concert on the field, performing Pearl Jam covers with his band. Arroyo ended the season with a 3–6 record and 7.35 ERA in 14 starts. On September 24, he officially announced his retirement. Possible use of performance-enhancing drugs A day after reports claimed former Red Sox teammate David Ortiz was among 104 Major League players to have failed drug tests in 2003, Arroyo revealed he had used androstenedione and amphetamines in his career. Arroyo remarked that he would not be surprised if he was among the 104 players that failed tests, as he suspected the androstenedione he was taking may have been tainted with steroids. His name was not among those revealed in the Mitchell Report. Pitching style Arroyo's fastball was in the 85–89 miles per hour range. While this is considered below average speed among major league pitchers, his fastball had excellent movement and Arroyo was adept at "spotting" it. He also threw a hard slider that moved away from right-handed batters, and a straight changeup as well. Arroyo's best pitch was his curveball, which he threw from multiple arm angles and was known to throw it in any count. The angle of the curveball itself could vary from a straight 12–6 to a sweeping 1–7. Arroyo's delivery was somewhat unusual; he incorporated a large leg kick in his pitching motion, extending his front leg completely straight and lifting it up to a level above his waist before delivering the ball. His kick often appeared to reach head level and deceives hitters with its exaggerated motion. From the stretch position with runners on base, his leg-kick was much less pronounced and his delivery to home plate was very quick by major league standards. As a result, Arroyo was one of the better pitchers at holding runners on base. Personal life Arroyo was married to Aimee Faught from 2000 to 2008. He resides in the Cincinnati area with his wife Nicole McNees, who he married in 2021. Music In 2005, Bronson Arroyo released his debut album, Covering the Bases. It included covers from bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Foo