Brandon Crawford has officially announced his retirement after an impressive 14-season career in Major League Baseball, with nearly all those years spent as a standout shortstop for the San Francisco Giants, his hometown team. The beloved player, recognized for both his smooth fielding and popularity among fans, revealed his decision via an Instagram message on Wednesday.
In his heartfelt post, Crawford expressed his gratitude for the game, saying, “This time of the year reminds me of the aspects of my life that I cherish the most. Baseball is a significant part of that.” He went on to reflect on the profound impact the sport has had on his life, emphasizing how grateful he is for his experiences over the years. He concluded his message by thanking those who supported him throughout his journey, stating, “Time is precious. I’m incredibly thankful for all the years playing the game I love, but now it’s time to spend it with the people I’m most thankful for. It’s been an unbelievable ride.”
Crawford joined the Giants when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2008 draft after his tenure at UCLA, making his major league debut on May 27, 2011. He played a key role in helping the Giants secure World Series titles in 2012 and 2014, which capped off a run of championships in an every-other-year pattern from 2010 to 2014. Fans can look forward to a special tribute to Crawford’s career on April 26 at Oracle Park. Over his career, he posted a batting average of .249, with 147 home runs and 748 RBIs. However, it will be his exceptional defensive abilities that many fans will remember most fondly.
Buster Posey, the new President of Baseball Operations for the Giants, expressed his admiration for Crawford, saying, “It was a privilege to know Brandon as both a friend and teammate. From the moment we were drafted together in 2008 until our last season on the field in 2021, playing alongside him was a true honor.” Posey highlighted some of Crawford’s greatest moments, including a memorable grand slam in the 2014 wild-card game and his record seven-hit game in Miami, showcasing the lasting impact he made during his time with the Giants.
Although speculation suggested Crawford might retire at the end of the 2023 season when his contract with the Giants expired, he decided to extend his career by joining the St. Louis Cardinals on a one-year, $2 million contract. Unfortunately, he was released in August after struggling with a .169 batting average, one home run, and four RBIs in 80 plate appearances.
Moving forward, Crawford intends to focus more on his family, which includes his wife Jalynne and their five children. Growing up, he was often seen leaning on the railing at Candlestick Park, proudly supporting the Giants, a team he would eventually come to represent as a player.
In 2021, when Crawford signed a two-year, $32 million contract to close out a previous six-year deal worth $75 million, he acknowledged the significance of spending most of his career with one team. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “Being drafted by my hometown team and playing here for most of my career exceeded any childhood dreams I had.” He reminisced about imagining winning a World Series while playing in his backyard, remarking, “But winning two? That was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Crawford also holds the franchise record for games played at shortstop, with 1,617 appearances. Larry Baer, the Giants’ President and CEO, praised Crawford, saying, “Watching him play was a privilege for me and Giants fans alike.” Baer noted Crawford’s numerous accolades, including being an All-Star, recipient of Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, and a two-time World Series champion. He added that Crawford embodied class and respect, marking the franchise’s good fortune to have him as part of its history throughout his career, from his childhood as a devoted fan to a professional player. As Crawford’s chapter in baseball closes, his legacy will be celebrated by fans, teammates, and future generations of players inspired by his exemplary conduct on and off the field.