Former All-Star outfielder and World Series champion Dexter Fowler announced his retirement via social media Tuesday, ending his 15-year career.
Thank you to the fans.
Stay tuned for what’s next. pic.twitter.com/qZd84zge6Z
— dexfowler.eth (@DexterFowler) January 31, 2023
“It’s here. I’m hanging up my cleats. From an 18-year-old draft pick in Colorado to a “vet” in Anaheim – there are a few things I will never forget.” Fowler wrote. “I’m mostly proud to look back at my career knowing that I played the game the right way and did my best to make a positive impact beyond the win.”
Fowler’s Career
After being a top 10 prospect in the Colorado Rockies farm system in the late 2000s, he made his debut in September 2008. He would stay in the black and purple through 2013. He finished top 8 in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 and was productive in Colorado.
The rest of his career was played for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels. Of those five teams, Fowler played his best during his two seasons in Chicago. As a Cub, he was an All-Star and World Series Champion for the only time in his career in 2016.
In 281 games as a Cub, Fowler hit .261/.367/.427 with 30 HR, 94 RBI, 33 stolen bases, and a 115 OPS+. He was a formidable force at the top of the lineup that broke the longest championship drought in professional sports.
Overall for his career, Fowler hit 127 HR, had 1306 hits, maintained a .775 OPS, and stole 149 bases. Over those 14 seasons, he was worth 19.4 WAR. While not a Hall of Famer by any metric, he was a solid professional player for over a decade.
Legacy
Being a 14-year veteran of the game comes with the recognition of being able to stay at a professional level in a sport as competitive as baseball. Overall, his career will be remembered as more good than bad.
Rockies fans will remember him for his ability to hit triples and cover the Coors Field outfield grass. Cubs fans will remember him as the leadoff man who started Game 7 of the 2016 World Series with a bang.
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