- Brian Symons
- Dec 29, 2020
Author: Spencer Reyes
Editor: Mark Awadallah
On Monday, December 21st, the versatile, utility fielder Howie Kendrick retired from professional baseball. Fans of the 37-year-old found out from his latest Instagram post, where he thanked his previous successors, the Angels, Dodgers, and Nationals for believing in him and giving him a spot on their rosters. Kendrick has played almost every position on the field in the MLB except for shortstop and catcher, making him the true definition of a utility man. He has had his fair share of postseason experience by participating in 13 different series for 8 years on three different teams. It took the MLB vet quite some time, but after 14 years of playing in the MLB, he finally won a World Series ring with the Washington Nationals, in 2019. Just two seasons ago, he earned the NLCS MVP award and delivered the go-ahead home run for the Nationals in Game 7 to win the World Series. Kendrick had to sit out the later end of this past season when he pulled his left hamstring which ultimately led to the end of his slugging career. In 15 years, he has had a career batting average of .294, .430 slugging %, 127 home runs, 792 runs, and 724 RBI’s.
Kendrick was always known as a threat to pitchers across baseball. His legacy of extra base hits, fielding ability, and coming in clutch will be remembered by fans across the luxurious sport and will really shine when he becomes eligible for the 2026 Cooperstown Hall of Fame class. Don’t be surprised when he is voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. We wish him the best in retirement. Kendrick’s goodbye was also wholesome and heartfelt:
"To the fans, without your support and love for the game, our stage and lights would not shine as brightly as they do. Know you will be missed as well. I will always love the game of baseball and will constantly reflect on the lifelong memories made. For now, it's time to drop the mic and enter a new stage of my life" -Howie Kendrick
SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE