Andrelton Simmons announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
According to Talkin Halos’ Jared Tims, the 34-year-old has hung up his cleats.
After being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2010, the shortstop spent four seasons with the organization earning two Gold Glove Awards, but was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2015. That’s where he earned two additional Gold Gloves across five seasons with the team.
His defensive capabilities stand out above every other characteristic he brought to the diamond. The way he dove for the ball and made back-handed catch look easily made him stand out as one of the best in his era.
His baseball career doesn’t appear to be fully over, however.
He was selected in the inaugural Baseball United draft. The league is focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent and was launched in October that possesses the names of Bartolo Colon, Robinson Cano, and Pablo Sandoval.
As opposed to creating a huge competitive nature, the league will focus on the entertainment factor.
Simmons is the perfect candidate for this as he won the 2013 NL Platinum Glove and led the league in defensive statistical categories and was always the king of defensive gems.
Simmons finishes his 11-year career (2012-22) with a .263/.312/.366 line with 1,169 hits and 444 RBI.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.