Curtis Granderson Announces Retirement After 16 Seasons

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Curtis Granderson, the power-hitting, three-time All-Star outfielder who played for both the Yankees and Mets, is retiring after 16 seasons.

Granderson, 38, announced his retirement Friday with a heatfelt goodbye on social media.

“I’ve been blessed to play professional baseball for the greater part of two decades,” Granderson wrote. “As I reflect on my career, I realize that not much has changed since those early days in Little League. My parents and family are still my greatest fans, and they impart the same message today that they did back then: give back, never forget to enjoy the ride, and don’t think; have fun.

“As I close out this wonderful chapter in my life and step away from my days on the field, I know that my role in this game is only just getting started,” added Granderson, who runs a children's foundation. “I look forward to continuing my work helping to diversify the sport, paving the way for young kids to learn and grow.”

It’s been an incredible journey. Thanks for joining me ----

A post shared by Curtis Granderson (@cgrand) on Jan 31, 2020 at 5:31am PST

Granderson made his major league debut with the Tigers and spent six seasons in Detroit, including an All-Star year in 2009. Before the 2010 season, the Yankees acquired Granderson in a three-team trade with Detroit and the Diamondbacks.

Granderson’s most successful years came in pinstripes. In 2011, he hit .262 with 41 homers and led the American League in runs scored (136) and RBIs (119). A year later, he clubbed another 43 home runs. He was selected to the All-Star Game in both of those seasons.

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After four years in the Bronx — two that ended in the ALCS — Granderson signed in December 2013 as a free agent with the Mets, for whom he played 3½ seasons and was a member of their 2015 World Series team.

In all, Granderson played for seven teams. He batted .249 with 344 home runs and 937 RBIs for his career. In addition to the Mets, Granderson played on two other World Series clubs — the 2006 Tigers and 2017 Dodgers — but never won a world championship.

He spent last season with the Miami Marlins, hitting a career-low .183 with 12 home runs in 138 games.

“This journey would not be possible without those who came before me, breaking barriers to allow a young Curtis Granderson to live out his dream," Granderson wrote Friday. "It’s been an honor to wear my socks high.”