San Francisco Giants icon Brandon Crawford announces retirement

Brandon Crawford, a shortstop with a 14-year career, officially announced his retirement from baseball on Wednesday at the age of 37.

Crawford concludes his illustrious career as a two-time World Series champion, three-time MLB All-Star, Silver Slugger, and four-time Gold Glove winner, establishing himself as one of the most celebrated and cherished players in the history of the San Francisco Giants.

In 2021, Crawford nearly added another accolade to his impressive collection, finishing fourth in the National League MVP voting after achieving a batting average of .298, along with 24 home runs and 90 runs batted in.

"Growing up in the Bay Area and attending games at Candlestick, I always aspired to play for the San Francisco Giants," Crawford expressed. "Being drafted by my hometown team and spending the majority of my career with them exceeded any childhood dream I had. I certainly imagined winning a World Series in my backyard, but winning two? That was beyond anything I could have ever envisioned."

Crawford was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, making his major league debut in 2011, and he ultimately set the franchise record for the most games played at shortstop, totaling 1,655.

"I always aspired to be the shortstop for the Giants, but I never anticipated breaking the record for the most games played at that position," he remarked.

"Watching Brandon play was a true privilege, not only for me but for Giants fans everywhere," stated Giants CEO Larry Baer in a news release. "He was an All-Star, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, and a two-time World Series champion who consistently conducted himself with class, honor, and respect."

Crawford concluded his career with a final season in which he played 28 games for the St. Louis Cardinals, recording a batting average of .169 with one home run and four runs batted in.

"It's been an unforgettable journey," Crawford reflected. "Thank you, Giants, for allowing me to fulfill my dream and for being a part of so many significant moments throughout my career in San Francisco."