Curtis Granderson's lengthy major league career has come to an end.
The Chicago native, Thornton Fractional South High School graduate and UIC alum announced his retirement Friday, bringing his 16-year tenure as a big leaguer to a close.
"I've been blessed to play professional baseball for the greater part of two decades," Granderson wrote in his announcement. "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.
"I'm eternally grateful to every team and every city I've had the opportunity to call 'home': Detroit, New York (both the Bronx and Queens), Los Angeles, Toronto, Milwaukee, Miami and of course my hometown of Chicago. It is these communities that allowed me to take my Grand Kids Foundation to new heights and use my platform for positive change.
"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. I look forward to continuing my work helping to diversify the sport, paving the way for young kids to learn and grow.
"Thank you — to the MLB, MLBPA, my teammates and coaches, front office staff, members of the media, partners and the fans — for the ride of a lifetime.
"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. It's been an honor to wear my socks high."
MLB
In addition to being a Chicago guy, Granderson made himself well known to White Sox fans, who saw him often during his six seasons with the division-rival Detroit Tigers. Granderson played no team more than he did the White Sox, playing in 113 games against them in his career.
White Sox pitchers fared better than most against the three-time All Star. Granderson posted a .231/.300/.405 slash line in those 113 games against his hometown team, compared to the .249/.337/.465 line he had for his career.
Granderson earned equal if not greater praise for his work off the field, a winner of the Roberto Clemente Award and a four-time winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is voted on by Major League Baseball players.
That reputation earned plenty of congratulations — and predictions — for Granderson in the wake of the announcement.
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