Kansas City Royals’ All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon announced on Thursday that he is retiring from professional baseball at the end of the 2020 MLB season. Gordon revealed his intentions during a video call with reporters, saying that he wants to spend more time with his family.
“It’s hard. I think any baseball player would say that,” said Gordon. “You grow up playing this game, it’s a game you love, but you come to that day when you know it’s over—it’s hard.”
Gordon was close to retiring following the 2019 MLB season when it seemed that Kansas City is heading for a rebuild. However, the 36-year-old outfielder was convinced by the team to give it another go in 2020 and inked a one-year deal with the franchise.
Things didn’t turn out quite as expected, considering that Gordon struggled this season. He is currently batting .206 and has four home runs and just 11 RBIs in 47 games. Royals also underperformed and are set to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
“It’s kind of bittersweet because this is hard for me to do,” Gordon added. “This is what I’ve done my whole life. but at the same time, I’m excited to be around my family, be around my kids, and just catch up on things I’ve missed my whole life.”
Alex Gordon spent his entire career with the Royals, who handed him his MLB debut back in 2007. While in Kansas City, Gordon helped the organization to make two consecutive World Series trips in 2014 and 2015 and win one title.
From an individual standpoint, Gordon made the All-Star selection twice and has won seven Golden Glove awards in his career.
