Experienced shortstop Brandon Crawford announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Wednesday after a career that spanned parts of 14 seasons.
The 37-year-old Crawford managed a .249/.318/.395 slash line (96 OPS+) in more than 6,000 trips to the plate. He also hit 147 home runs and stole 47 bases. Crawford was best known for his defensive abilities, which allowed him to win four Gold Glove Awards (the most recent of which came in 2021). According to Baseball Reference, his total contributions were worth an estimated 29.3 wins above replacement.
Crawford was originally designed by San Francisco Giants in 2008. He made his big league debut three years later in 2011 and spent almost his entire career with the Giants. The exception was last season, which turned out to be his final year as an active player, when he spent the season as part of the St Louis Cardinals.
In addition to the Gold Glove Awards, Crawford reached three All-Star Games and won a Silver Slugger Award. He also has two World Series rings to show for his accomplishments, having won the Cup with the Giants in both 2012 and 2014.
Crawford's time as a big league player may be over, but his status as a walking minnow will endure as long as his brother-in-law, New York Yankees As Gerrit Coleremains active.
