Ryan braun , The 2011 National League MVP and home run record holder for the Milwaukee Brewers franchise, announced his retirement Tuesday.
The six-time All-Star pick has not played this season after becoming a free agent when the Brewers refused to exercise a $ 15 million mutual option on his contract last October.
“I’ve been pondering this decision for many months,” Braun, 37, said in a video posted on social media by the Brewers. “While I still love this game very much, it is the right time to retire from my playing days.
“It is difficult to describe my emotions today, but it begins with overwhelming gratitude towards those who have shared this experience with me while offering their unconditional support at all times … I will always thank the best fans of the game and the countless people who attended the stadium. night after night, which made Milwaukee the best city to play. “
In addition to his 352 home runs, Braun, who played his 14 MLB seasons with the Brewers, ranks second in franchise history in RBIs (1,154), extra-base runs (809), total bases (3,525) and doubles ( 408). He ranks third in runs (1,080), hits (1,963), triples (49), stolen bases (216) and walks (586).
“I am very fortunate to have enjoyed a 14-year career wearing a team jersey, and even more grateful that the team is the Milwaukee Brewers,” Braun said. “I am retiring from the Major Leagues today, but my love for everyone who supported me continues to grow. I treasure great memories of my time with the Brewers and will continue to build on the many friendships made in this amazing city.”
Braun hit a career-low .233 in 2020, with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in 39 games while dealing with a back problem. He was strong at the end of the season and posted a .958 OPS in September.
His back problems prevented him from playing in the Brewers’ first-round playoff loss to eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Braun was one of the best hitters in baseball from 2007 to 2012, but was never the same again after being suspended in the middle of the 2013 season for using performance-enhancing drugs. He acknowledged that he took prohibited substances while rehabilitating an injury and apologized.
As of 2014, Braun never played more than 144 games in a season and reached the 30 home run mark once after surpassing 30 home runs five times in his first six years, including 41 in 2012, leading the National League.
The Brewers selected Braun in the fifth overall inning in the 2005 amateur draft from Miami. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and ranked in the top 15 in MVP voting every year from 2008-12. He finished second in MVP voting in 2012 and third in 2008.
The Brewers will honor Braun with a ceremony on the field on September 26.
“Ryan brought us many unforgettable moments on the field; from dramatic playoff home runs to nearly 2,000 career hits, he is without a doubt one of the greatest players in Brewers history,” said team president Mark Attanasio. , it’s a statement.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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