Brandon Crawford, the slick-fielding shortstop who became a fan favorite during his 14-year MLB career, announced his retirement on Wednesday via Instagram. Known for his defensive brilliance and deep ties to his hometown San Francisco Giants, Crawford leaves a legacy of excellence both on and off the field.
“During this time of the year, I am constantly being reminded of the things in my life that I am most thankful for. Baseball is one of them,” Crawford wrote in his heartfelt post. “Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and for the rest of my life I will be thankful for the opportunities and experiences it has given me. Time is precious. I’m incredibly grateful for all the years I spent playing the game I love, but now it is time for me to spend it with the people who I’m most thankful for. Thank you to all of you who have been there for me throughout the years. It’s been an unbelievable ride”, reported by CBS News.
A fourth-round pick out of UCLA in 2008, Crawford made his MLB debut on May 27, 2011, and played all but one season with the Giants. Over his career, he earned four Gold Gloves, three All-Star selections, and two World Series titles, becoming the Giants’ all-time leader in games played at shortstop with 1,617. Despite his modest .249 career batting average, Crawford’s penchant for timely hits and dazzling defensive plays solidified his status as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
“Congrats to Craw on his outstanding career,” said former Giants manager Bruce Bochy. “Just a wonderful story of a kid becoming one of the best shortstops in the history of the San Francisco Giants, the team he grew up with and loved.”
Crawford’s storied career will be honored at Oracle Park on April 26. Teammates and friends celebrated his impact, including Giants legend Buster Posey. “Whether it was the clutch moments like the grand slam he hit in the 2014 Wild Card game or his dazzling defensive plays, Brandon made his mark in a way few athletes ever do,” Posey said.
After a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024, Crawford is stepping away from baseball to focus on his family, including his wife, Jalynne, and their five children. Reflecting on his journey, Crawford wrote, “Being drafted by my hometown team and spending most of my career with them far surpassed any dream I had as a kid.”