Crawford retires: 14 seasons, 2 titles, 4 Gold Gloves, Giants legend.
Brandon Crawford is stepping away from baseball after 14 seasons, nearly all of which he spent with his hometown San Francisco Giants. Known for his elite defense and as a staple in the team’s lineup, Crawford retires as one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
A four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star, Crawford announced his decision on Instagram, reflecting on a career that exceeded his wildest expectations.
“Baseball has given me, Jalynne, and the kids more than we ever thought possible, and for that we are so thankful,” he shared.
He further expressed gratitude to his loved ones, coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him along the way. Now, he’s ready for the next chapter of his life, eager to embrace new opportunities.
Crawford’s story feels like it was made for the big screen. Born in Mountain View, California, he grew up in the Bay Area as a die-hard Giants fan. The image of a young Crawford sitting in the stands at Candlestick Park during the uncertain times of 1992 remains iconic for Giants faithful.
Drafted in the fourth round by his childhood team in 2008, Crawford debuted in 2011 and quickly became a cornerstone for the franchise. By 2012, he played 143 games in the regular season and helped the Giants secure their seventh World Series title. Two years later, he added another championship to his résumé.
Over his 14-year career, the 37-year-old etched his name into the Giants’ record books. With 1,654 games played, he ranks seventh in franchise history. He also recorded the fourth-highest defensive WAR (14.3) for the team, according to Baseball Reference.
Crawford’s accolades extend beyond his championships. Alongside his Gold Gloves, he earned a Silver Slugger award in 2015, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest shortstops to wear a Giants uniform. Achieving all of this while playing for his hometown team made his career even more memorable.
Former Giants manager Bruce Bochy, now with the Texas Rangers, reflected on Crawford’s journey.
“Congrats to Craw on his outstanding career,” Bochy said. “Just a wonderful story of a kid becoming one of the best shortstops in the history of the San Francisco Giants, the team he grew up with and loved.”
Crawford’s MLB career earnings totaled $104.89 million, according to Spotrac. Nearly all of that came from his time with the Giants, who extended him to a two-year, $32 million deal after his stellar 2021 season. However, neither Crawford nor the team could replicate that success in the following years.
When Crawford became a free agent, he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Injuries limited him to just 29 games in 2023, primarily serving as a veteran backup to rookie Masyn Winn.
The Giants will honor Crawford’s contributions during a tribute at Oracle Park on April 26, 2024. Fittingly, the game will be against the Texas Rangers, managed by Bochy, who led Crawford and the Giants to two World Series titles.
Buster Posey, the Giants’ president of baseball operations and Crawford’s former teammate, spoke about the shortstop’s lasting impact. “It was an honor to get to know Brandon as a friend and as a teammate,” Posey said.
“From the first day we were both drafted in 2008 to our final year playing together in 2021, it was an honor to play alongside him for 14 years. Whether it was the clutch moments like the grand slam he hit in the 2014 Wild Card Game in Pittsburgh, the franchise-record, seven-hit game he recorded in Miami, or the dazzling defensive plays and acrobatic throws he made over and over again, Brandon made his mark in a way few athletes ever do.”
Crawford’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Giants and their fans, who cherished watching a hometown hero shine on the biggest stage.
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