Kole Calhoun #56 of the Cleveland Guardians
Veteran outfielder Kole Calhoun announced his retirement tonight via Instagram. After a decade-plus career in the majors spanning four different teams, the 36-year-old is hanging up his cleats.
In his statement, Calhoun expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live out his childhood dream of playing Major League Baseball. Despite the bittersweet nature of the announcement, he emphasized leaving the game with no regrets. He extended his appreciation to his family, coaches, teammates, agents at PSI Sports Management, as well as the organizations and fans who supported him throughout his journey.
Calhoun’s path to the majors was far from guaranteed. Drafted by the Angels in the eighth round of the 2010 draft out of Arizona State, he began his professional career with minimal fanfare. However, he quickly rose through the ranks and established himself as a fixture in the Angels’ outfield, securing the right field starting position for six consecutive seasons starting in 2014.
Known for his left-handed power and relentless playing style, Calhoun enjoyed particular success in 2015, earning a Gold Glove and hitting 26 home runs. Over his career, he maintained a solid offensive output, including a personal-high 33 home runs in 2019. Despite experiencing a decline in performance in his final years split between the Diamondbacks, Rangers, and Guardians, Calhoun’s accomplishments spanned nearly 5000 plate appearances, with 179 home runs, over 1,000 hits, and 582 RBIs.
His contributions to the game, including a postseason appearance in 2014 and a Gold Glove, earned him a place in the annals of baseball history. Additionally, his career earnings, estimated at nearly $50 million, underscore his significant impact on the sport. With approximately 14-15 wins above replacement, Calhoun leaves behind a legacy of solid performance and dedication to the game.
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