Brandon Crawford, one of the greatest shortstops in San Francisco Giants history, has officially announced his retirement from baseball. The 37-year-old, who spent the majority of his career with his childhood team, made the heartfelt announcement on Instagram, reflecting on his remarkable journey.
A Grateful Farewell
In his post, Crawford expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities baseball has afforded him. "Baseball has given me, Jalynne, and the kids more than we ever thought possible, and for that we are so thankful," Crawford wrote. "I wouldn’t have been able to have the career I did without their love and support every step along the way. I also want to thank my parents, siblings, in-laws, coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone else who guided, helped, and rooted for me throughout my career. Now it’s time for the next chapter, and I can’t wait for the new opportunities and different experiences that it will create."
Giants to Honor Crawford
The San Francisco Giants have already planned to honor Crawford for his contributions to the franchise. On April 26, 2024, the team will pay tribute to Crawford at Oracle Park, a fitting tribute as the Giants will face off against the Texas Rangers—led by former Giants manager Bruce Bochy.
Buster Posey, the Giants’ president of baseball operations and former catcher, praised Crawford's influence both on and off the field.
“It was an honor to get to know Brandon as a friend and as a teammate,” Posey said. “From the first day we were both drafted in 2008 to our final year playing together in 2021, it was an honor to play alongside him for 14 years. Whether it was the clutch moments like the grand slam he hit in the 2014 Wild Card Game in Pittsburgh, the franchise-record, seven-hit game he recorded in Miami, or the dazzling defensive plays and acrobatic throws he made over and over again, Brandon made his mark in a way few athletes ever do," he said.
Brandon Crawford has announced his retirement after 14 seasons, three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger Award, and two #WorldSeries championships. pic.twitter.com/OD1fR8d3re
— MLB (@MLB) November 27, 2024
A Legacy Built in San Francisco
Crawford, originally from Mountain View and raised in Pleasanton, was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Over the course of his 14-year career, he became one of the most beloved players in Giants history. His achievements include a one-time Silver Slugger Award, three All-Star selections, and four Gold Glove Awards. He was instrumental in the Giants' World Series victories in 2012 and 2014. Crawford also earned the 2016 Willie Mac Award and the 2023 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. His 1,682 regular-season games with the Giants are the most in franchise history.
Defining Moments in Giants History
Throughout his career, Crawford delivered some of the most memorable moments in Giants history. In addition to his memorable 2014 Wild Card Game grand slam, he also made a key play in the 2014 World Series. Crawford turned a crucial double play with Joe Panik in Game 7 against the Kansas City Royals, solidifying his place in the team’s legacy.
A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled
Crawford’s journey with the Giants is personal, as his connection to the team dates back to his childhood. In a historic moment, a 5-year-old Crawford was captured in a photo at Candlestick Park on September 27, 1992, standing next to a sign that read, “Mr. White: Do what’s right! Keep Giants in SF.” That day, the Giants’ game against the Cincinnati Reds was expected to be their last in San Francisco, but a last-minute sale kept the team in the city. Two decades later, Crawford helped turn his hometown team into a dynasty, winning two World Series titles.
"Growing up in the Bay Area and going to games at Candlestick, I always dreamed of playing for the San Francisco Giants," Crawford shared. "Being drafted by my hometown team and spending most of my career with them far surpassed any dream I had as a kid. I definitely pretended to win a World Series in my backyard — but winning two? That was beyond my wildest dreams," he added.
