Curtis Granderson, who played with the Yankees from 2010 to 2013 during his 16-year career, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
I've been blessed to play professional baseball for the greater part of two decades," Granderson wrote. "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 the 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.
Granderson was acquired by the Yankees from the Tigers in a three-team trade in December of 2009 that also involved Max Scherzer going from the Diamondbacks to Detroit.
In the deal, the Yanks sent Ian Kennedy to the Diamondbacks while shipping outfield prospect Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke to the Tigers.
A two-time All-Star with the Yankees (2010 and 2012), Granderson hit .245/.335/.495 with 115 homers in 513 games in the Bronx. Overall, Granderson hit .249/.337/.465 with 344 homers in 16 season with the Tigers, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Brewers, and Marlins.
