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Jason Heyward accomplished a lot in his career: five gold gloves, an All-Star appearance and a memorable World Series title.
But after 16 years in the big leagues, the outfielder is calling it a career.
The 36-year-old told “MLB Central” on the league’s TV network on Friday that he is officially retiring from the game, saying he’s looking forward to being a “mentor” to up-and-coming players of the next generation.
“I look forward to being a potential mentor to any of the young players coming up, anybody that is in the game right now. I feel like the game’s in good hands in that sense, and I look forward to being a fan and seeing what other ways I can give back,” Heyward told “Central.”
“Thank you to everybody that’s been there to support: the fans, teammates, coaches, staff, ownership groups, everyone and so on. Thank you for allowing me to live out my dream.”
Heyward, who was born in New Jersey but grew up in Georgia, was drafted by his hometown Braves in the first round of the 2007 draft and made his MLB debut in 2010. In his first big league at-bat, Heyward crushed a three-run home run at Atlanta’s Turner Field.
It proved to be the catalyst in a memorable rookie campaign that saw him get named to the National League All-Star team and finish second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Giants catcher Buster Posey.
He played four more years in Atlanta and won his first two Gold Gloves before getting traded to the Cardinals ahead of the 2015 season. He produced a .797 OPS and another Gold Glove in St. Louis that season, which earned him an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs.
The contract mostly didn’t pan out, as he hit .245/.323/.377 over seven seasons, but he did win two more awards for his defensive prowess.
However, memorably, during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Heyward gave a speech to his Cubs teammates during a rain delay after Chicago had blown a lead late to Cleveland.
The Cubs rallied in the 10th inning to win their first World Series in 108 years.
“I told them I love them,” Heyward told reporters after winning it all. “I told them I’m proud of the way they overcame everything together. I told them everyone has to look in the mirror, and know everyone contributed to this season and to where we are at this point.
“I said, ‘I don’t know how it’s going to happen, how we’re going to do it, but let’s go out and try to get a W.'”
Heyward later had stints with the Dodgers and Astros before finishing his career with the Padres last season. He finishes with 186 home runs, 730 RBIs and a .744 OPS.
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