By Jordan Long
The Kansas City Royals are 24-33 heading into their final series of the year against the Detroit Tigers. They will miss the playoffs for the 5th year in a row since winning the World Series in 2015. With the postseason not in reach, outfielder Alex Gordon has decided to retire.
Gordon started his Major League career with the Royals in 2007. He hit .247 proving he had power to smack the ball in the gap or over the wall for extra base hits. That season Gordon totaled 36 doubles, 4 triples, and 15 home runs while adding 60 RBI’s, a taste of what he could do at the Major League level.
His best season at the plate was in 2011 hitting a career high .303 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI’s. It was the first time Gordon smacked more than 20 home runs in a season. He hit 20 or more home runs one more time, 2013.
This year with 3 games left, Gordon has struggled to hit the ball at the plate. He is hitting a career worst .206. That may go up but not much depending on what happens in the final series. Gordon’s power isn’t there with 4 doubles and 4 home runs. He clearly can’t play the MLB game at a high level anymore.
According to ESPN.com, Gordon said, “It’s hard. I think any baseball player would say that. You grow up playing this game, it’s a game you love, but you come to that day when you know it’s over — it’s hard.”
Gordon leaves the game on his own terms. He was one of the top outfielders in the American League. His glove showed that to this point with 7 Gold Gloves. It is possible he takes home an 8th this year. Gordon also was voted into 3 All-Star Games while winning 1 World Series with the Royals.
There was nothing left for him to do in the game. His numbers aren’t Hall of Fame worthy, but he will be remembered as one of the hardest working players for the Royals. In these last 3 home games of the year, the Royals should do something to honor him since he played his whole career with them which is unheard of in the era of free agency.
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