Neil Walker retires after 12 MLB seasons
Veteran second baseman Neil Walker announced his retirement on Tuesday after 12 major-league seasons.
Officially retired, thank you to everyone that helped me in my journey to live out my childhood dream of being a Major Leaguer, I loved & cherished every day. From Pittsburgh, NY Mets & Yankees, Milwaukee, Miami, and Philly, nothing but love to those Organizations, Cities & Fans! pic.twitter.com/mvl3cg9k80
— Neil Walker (@NeilWalker18) April 20, 2021
Walker spent 2020 with the Philadelphia Phillies, appearing in 18 games as a utility player.
The Pirates drafted the 35-year-old Pittsburgh native 11th overall in 2004, and he spent seven seasons with his hometown team. He helped the Pirates snap their 20-year postseason drought in 2013, and Walker was part of three playoff clubs with the Bucs.
Congratulations on a great career and we wish you all the best in retirement, @neilwalker18.
— Pirates (@Pirates) April 20, 2021
You’ll always be the Pittsburgh Kid. 💛 pic.twitter.com/f1Wg7OjkGa
Walker ends his career with a .267/.338/.426 slash line and 1,224 hits, 149 home runs, and 609 RBIs over 1,306 big-league contests with the Pirates, Phillies, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, and Milwaukee Brewers. His best season came in 2014 when he hit 23 homers for the Pirates and won a Silver Slugger Award.