Phillies fan favorite sends message to fans after surprise retirement

The Philadelphia Phillies are currently leading the National League East, focused on their future. However, a key player from their past retired this week and sent a message to the fans.

Jean Segura announced his retirement from baseball on Wednesday night, marking the end of his 12-year career. Segura spent four seasons with the Phillies and was beloved by fans. He also played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners.

"I received a couple of offers,” Segura told The Inquirer. "To sit on the bench, play once in a while. And the type of player that I am, I know it’s not going to work for me, because I need reps, I need to play every day, I need time to get going.

"After I spent 12 years in the majors playing every day, I don’t want to end my career sitting in the dugout, when my family really needs time with me."

Segura is focusing on his family now that his career is over, but noted that Philadelphia will always be his "No. 1," and he loved his time with the team. He especially noted his appreciation for the Phillies fans and their love for him.

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"Philly’s been awesome to me," Segura told The Inquirer. "Even when I (got) out (of Philadelphia), there were still fans reaching out, they always supported me. They (were) always there. Maybe ‘cause I came through in the big moments, in the pressure moments.

"I know they’re a little tough, too, when you’re struggling, and they let you know when you need to get better. But that’s Philadelphia. And at the end of the day, they’re the best fans I’ve ever had in my career. Because they care about the game, they care about the players, they love you, but at the same point they let you know, we need you to get better."

Segura finished his career with a .281/.327/.401 slash line. He hit 110 home runs in his career and was named an All-Star twice. Despite the Brewers being the team he played the most games with, the Phillies seem to be the team he holds most dear.

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