3-Time All Star & 4-Time Gold Glover Announces Retirement

Brandon Crawford, the iconic shortstop of the San Francisco Giants, has announced his retirement after 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. 

A Bay Area native who grew up dreaming of playing for his hometown team, Crawford fulfilled that dream and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. 

Drafted in the fourth round out of UCLA in 2008, he debuted in 2011 and went on to play a key role in the Giants’ World Series championships in 2012 and 2014. 

Known for his elite defense and clutch hitting, Crawford won four Gold Gloves and earned three All-Star selections during his career. Memorable moments include his grand slam in the 2014 Wild Card Game and a franchise-record seven-hit performance in 2016.

After 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, including 1,655 games in an #SFGiants uniform, Brandon Crawford has officially retired.

Thank you for the incredible memories, Craw! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/tfNu1uJqkq

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) November 27, 2024

Reflecting on his career, Crawford shared, “Being drafted by my hometown team and spending most of my career with them far surpassed any dream I had as a kid. I definitely pretended to win a World Series in my backyard — but winning two? That was beyond my wildest dreams.” 

Over 1,617 games with the Giants, Crawford compiled 1,404 hits, 147 home runs, and 748 RBIs, cementing his place as the franchise leader in games played at shortstop. 

Former teammate and current Giants President Buster Posey praised Crawford’s impact, saying, “Whether it was the clutch moments or the dazzling defensive plays, Brandon made his mark in a way few athletes ever do.”

Throwback to Brandon Crawford having one the BEST and WORST Bunt attempts of All Time. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Q93f729I7h

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 28, 2024

Crawford spent his final season in 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals after his Giants contract ended, though limited playing time marked a quiet conclusion to his illustrious career. 

Now retiring to focus on family life with his wife, Jalynne, and their five children, Crawford leaves behind a legacy that will be celebrated at Oracle Park on April 26. 

Giants CEO Larry Baer honored his contributions, stating, “The Giants have been incredibly blessed to have had Brandon as part of the franchise for 16 years. His legacy will be celebrated by fans, teammates, and future generations who look up to him by the example he set.”

Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images