Face of Twins Franchise Retires After Battling Years of Injuries And Setbacks
Joe Mauer was born to be a Minnesota Twin, and he’ll leave the game and city that’s always been home to him as one.
The long-time Minnesota Twin retired after 15 seasons, all with the Minnesota Twins, on Friday.
Mauer made his announcement in a letter to fans that was released by the Twins. The letter will be released in both The Minneapolis Star-Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press this Sunday.
“After much consideration I have decided to retire from playing baseball,” Mauer wrote in the letter. “The decision came down to my health and my family. The risk of concussion is always there, and I was reminded of that this season after missing over 30 games as a result of diving for a foul ball.
“Thank you, Minnesota Twins, and thank you, fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was. Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart.”
Mauer’s crowning moment in his career came when he won the 2009 AL MVP. During that season, Joe Mauer led the MLB in hitting with a .365 batting average while hitting a career-high 28 home runs and 96 RBIs.
The Minneapolis -bred Mauer finished his career with six All-Star appearances, three Gold Glove awards, and three batting titles. He also finishes his career with 2,123 career hits, first all-time in Minnesota Twins franchise history.
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