The professional pitcher, 37, is thought to be eyeing retirement, and he closed out the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) season with a brief stint at Oakland Athletics in California.

Although he has yet to comment on his future in the sport, Zito's plans may have been let out of the bag by his uncle, Dallas star Duffy, who posted a heartfelt message online to mark the season's close.

Taking to Twitter.com, Duffy wrote, "Watched nephew Barry Zito pitch his final Major League game. So proud. What a fine man."

Duffy is related to Zito through his wife Carlyn, who is the sister of the sportsman's mother Roberta.