Yesterday, Nick Markakis called it a career retiring after 15 big league seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves.
After twice declining to sign with the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 and 2002, Markakis would join the Orioles' organization after being drafted by the team in the first round of the 2003 MLB draft. Markakis would reach the majors in 2006 finishing 6th in AL Rookie of the Year balloting.
In the early part of his career, Markakis was a run producer with 100 plus RBI seasons in 2007 and 2009. While his production would decline during the early 2010's, Markakis was a solid hitter and an impeccable defender in right field winning two Gold Gloves.
Markakis would play 1365 career games before finally reaching the post-season in 2014. When the Orioles reached the post-season in 2012, Markakis was sidelined with a wrist injury.
A native of Georgia, Markakis would sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2015 season. In 2018, Markakis would be selected to his only All-Star Team as well as his lone Silver Slugger while earning his third career Gold Glove.
Last season, Markakis opted out after speaking with Freddie Freeman after his COVID-19 ordeal. However, Markakis would reconsider and felt compelled to apologize to his teammates. At the time, I made the case there was no need for Markakis to be sorry for anything. Perhaps Markakis knew it would be his final campaign.
Markakis finished his career with 2388 hits for a lifetime batting average of .288 with 189 HR and 1046 RBI. Those numbers won't get him into Cooperstown, but they will get him into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.
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