Minnesota Twins’ Joe Mauer is walking away from baseball after 15 seasons in MLB. Mauer, who won the AL MVP award in 2009, announced his retirement on Friday via letter addressed to Twins’ fans.
“After much consideration, I have decided to retire from playing baseball,” – wrote Mauer in the letter. “The decision came down to my health and my family. The risk of concussion is always there, and I was reminded of that this season after missing over 30 games as a result of diving for a foul ball.”
“Thank you, Minnesota Twins, and thank you, fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was. Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart.” – the 35-year-old added.
Joe Mauer pens personal letter to #MNTwins fans: https://t.co/sSC7u1PZbf pic.twitter.com/QS8L55kLrL
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 9, 2018
Mauer played a total of 127 games in 2018, batting .282 and managing 86 strikeouts alongside 6 home runs.
Joe Mauer became a pro in 2001 when the Twins took him first overall in Major League Baseball Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2004 and went on to establish himself as one of the league’s best catchers. During his career, Mauer earned six All-Star selections and won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards alongside five Silver Slugger Awards. In 2006, he became the first catcher in American League to win the batting title and later became the first catcher in the history of MLB to win three batting titles.
