Brewers Outfielder Ryan Braun Announces Retirement after 14 seasons
Ryan Braun, the 2011 MVP, and Brewers home run king, announces his retirement.
Braun, the six-time all-star who did not play this season after becoming a free agent when the Brewers declined a $15 million mutual option this past October.
On a video posted on the Brewers, social media, Braun stated, “I have weighed this decision for many months… While I still love this game very much, the time is right for me to retire from my playing days.”
On top of the 352 home runs that Braun hit for the Brewers, he also is second in franchise history in RBI’s (1,154) extra-base hits (809), total bases (3,525), and doubles (408). In addition, he ranks third in runs (1,080), hits (1,963), triples (49), stolen bases (216), and walks (586).
“I am retiring today from Major League Baseball, but my love for all those who supported me continues to grow. I cherish great memories from my time with the Brewers and will continue to build on the many friendships made in this amazing city,” Braun said.
Braun was undoubtedly one of the greatest hitters in the game from 2007–2012, including his MVP season in which Braun hit .332 and slugged .597. However, after he was caught using PED’s he was never the same hitter.
Then from 2014 on, Braun never played in more than 144 games per season a season and achieved the 30-homer mark only one after achieving 30 homers five times in his first six years, including a 41 homer season in 2012. However, he remained a very valuable piece in the Brewers organization.
Braun was selected by the Brewers with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft out of Miami. He was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and ranked in the top 15 in the MVP voting every year from 2008 to 2012. He finished second in the MVP balloting in 2012 and third in 2008.
