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When Jason Heyward arrived in MLB with the Atlanta Braves, it truly felt like he could've become anything and everything.
In those first days, when the sculpted, lanky, athletically marvelous, infinitely talented Heyward took the field -- you could've convinced someone that he would be the best player in baseball history.
He had that aura of an all-time great about him. Things came easily. He looked good walking off the bus and when he took the field. Like a LeBron James, or a Ken Griffey Jr., or an Andrew Luck.
In the very first at bat of his major league career, Heyward homered. That was April 5, 2010.
Nearly 16 years later, Heyward has retired.
Jason Heyward has officially retired, via a release today. 16 years, two rings, one rain delay speech.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 27, 2026MORE: Mike Trout, Tiger Woods, and Superman without his cape
His career won't end in the Hall of Fame, but it wasn't without its special moments.
He's famous in Chicago Cubs lore for the rain delay speech in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series that led to the end of the Cubs' 108-year World Series drought.
He was an All Star in Atlanta.
He won five Gold Gloves, often regarded as one of the best right fielders in the sport.
Heyward suited up for the Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Astros and Padres.
And now, he hangs up his cleats.
There are certain names whose retirements bring out little memories but nothing major.
And then there are names like Heyward, who once provided fans of baseball almost infinite possibilities to dream on.
He didn't reach all the stars. But he made his way to a few of them.
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