San Francisco Giants key man announce his retirement immediately after career ending read more

Brandon Crawford, a San Francisco Giants icon who spent 13 seasons with the team and won two World Series titles, announced his retirement from baseball on Instagram at age 37. “Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Crawford shared in his post. “For the rest of my life, I’ll be thankful for the opportunities and experiences it gave me. Time is precious, and while I’ve cherished my years playing the game I love, it’s time to spend that time with those I’m most grateful for.”

A Bay Area native, Crawford grew up dreaming of playing for the Giants, attending games at Candlestick Park as a child. His dream came true when the team drafted him 117th overall out of UCLA in 2008. Known for his defensive brilliance at shortstop, Crawford debuted in 2011 and held the starting role for 12 seasons. Over his illustrious Giants career, he contributed to their 2012 and 2014 World Series championships and earned numerous accolades, including four Gold Gloves (2015-2017, 2021), a Silver Slugger in 2015, and three All-Star selections. His 2021 season was particularly remarkable, as he hit .298/.373/.522 with 24 home runs, earning a fourth-place finish in NL MVP voting. He played 1,682 games at shortstop, the most in Giants history.

Reflecting on his career, Crawford said, “Growing up in the Bay Area and going to games at Candlestick, I always dreamed of playing for the San Francisco Giants. Being drafted by my hometown team and spending most of my career with them far surpassed any dream I had as a kid.”

Former teammate and Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey praised Crawford’s impact on the team and game. “It was an honor to play alongside Brandon, from the day we were drafted in 2008 to our final season together in 2021,” Posey said. “Whether it was his clutch moments, like the grand slam in the 2014 Wild Card Game, his franchise-record seven-hit game, or his jaw-dropping defensive plays, he left a legacy few athletes achieve.”

After the Giants opted not to re-sign him following the 2023 season, Crawford joined the St. Louis Cardinals, playing 28 games before being released in August 2024. The Giants plan to celebrate his career on April 26, 2025, when the Texas Rangers, led by former Giants manager Bruce Bochy, visit Oracle Park.