The Cardinals’ former four-time Gold Glober announces his retirement, ending his 14-year career

The St. Louis Cardinals’ goal heading into last offseason was to fill the big league roster with veterans who could not only win, but also help develop the club’s youth core.

Unfortunately, the additions of veterans like right-handed pitchers Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson weren’t enough to propel the Cardinals back into the playoffs. However, their influence on young hurlers like Andre Pallante and Michael McGreevy cannot be taken for granted.

Another influential veteran acquired last winter has decided to officially step away from the game, announcing his retirement in a heartfelt Instagram post.

“And to the Cardinals, thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my career for another season,” two-time World Series champion Brandon Crawford wrote Wednesday night. “This opportunity gave me the chance to experience a different role for the first time in my career. Jazlyn also had the opportunity to watch me play – even though she won’t remember it, we have plenty of pictures to look back at – and created unforgettable moments on the field and in the clubhouse with my other four children. These are memories that my family and I will cherish. Even though it was canceled, I really enjoyed my final season playing for another historic franchise.

Crawford spent the first 13 seasons of his career playing for the San Francisco Giants, but injuries mounted and he was not re-signed after his contract expired last fall. The Cardinals then brought him in to coach standout infielder Masyn Winn at shortstop.

The four-time Gold Glove defender batted .249 with 486 extra-base hits, including 147 home runs, 748 RBIs and an OPS of .713 over his 14-year career – playing in just 29 games and recording just 71 at-bats. Bats for the Gold Glove Cardinals.

Considering Winn nearly won the Gold Glove Award in his rookie season with the Cardinals, it’s safe to say that signing Crawford in late February and early this year was a smart decision.

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