Veteran outfielder Dexter Fowler announced on Tuesday his retirement after 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. Fowler wrote on social media: “It’s here … I’m hanging up my cleats. From an 18-year-old draft pick in Colorado to a ‘vet’ in Anaheim — there are a few things I will never forget. Getting that call to the big leagues in September 2008. Wow. My world was spinning. My first ‘you’ve been traded to Houston’ heart pounding call. The feeling of bliss while hearing the words ‘All-Star.’ Never knew what it felt like to be that guy! Forever grateful. Soaking wet and freezing on the field with tears in my eyes after winning the World Series in Chicago. The comfort of calling St. Louis home and being a Red Bird.”
Fowler also wrote: “Today is one of those moments where you metaphorically step down from your throne with a standing ovation, a tip of the cap, and the world stops spinning. I’m mostly proud to look back at my career knowing that I played the game the right way and did my best to make a positive impact beyond the win.”
The 36-year-old Fowler, a 2016 All-Star and World Series champion, hit .250 in seven games in 2021 for the Los Angeles Angels before he sustained a season-ending torn ACL. He spent part of last season with the Toronto Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, but did not play at the big-league level.
Fowler hit a career-high .300, with 13 home runs, 53 RBIs, 18 doubles, 11 triples and 12 stolen bases in 143 games in 2012 with the Rockies. He hit .276 with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs, 25 doubles and seven triples during his 2016 All-Star season with the Cubs. In 2010, Fowler led the major leagues with 14 triples, and his 82 career triples rank first among active players.
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