Veteran shortstop Brandon Crawford is walking away from professional baseball. Crawford, who played 14 seasons in MLB with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, announced the news on social media.
“Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and for the rest of my life I will be thankful for the opportunities and experiences it has given me,” Crawford wrote in statement posted on Instagram. “Time is precious. I’m incredibly grateful for all the years I spent playing the game I love, but now it is time for me to spend it with the people who I’m most thankful for. Thank you to all of you who have been there for me throughout the years. It’s been an unbelievable ride.”
Crawford made his MLB debut in 2011 as a member of the Giants. He went on to win two World Series with the franchise while making three All-Star appearances and earning four Gold Glove Awards.
The Giants ended up releasing Crawford after the 2023 season despite the player wanting to remain with the franchise. He ended up signing with the Cardinals and played 28 games in which he batted .169 with one home run and four RBIs.
Crawford will end his MLB career with a .249 career batting average, 147 homers, and 748 RBIs.
After Crawford announced his decision to retire, the Giants congratulated him and said they would honor him on April 26th at their Oracle Park.
