Eric Hosmer, a World Series champion, All-Star and fan favorite with the Kansas City Royals, announced his retirement Wednesday.
Hosmer spent his first seven seasons of a 13-year career with the Royals, helping the club to two straight appearances in the World Series and the 2015 championship. Hosmer announced his retirement on Twitter and will now focus on his new media company and podcast.
“Excited to take on this new challenge, MoonBall Media, and our first project, The Diggin’ Deep Podcast,” Hosmer wrote on Twitter. “The playing days are unfortunately over but I’m committed to giving back to the baseball community that helped shape my life.”
The Royals selected the left-handed hitting first baseman with the third overall pick in the 2008 draft out of American Heritage High School in Florida, and he made the big leagues in May 2011. Hosmer became part of the Royals corps with Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez that helped return the franchise to prominence, culminating in the 2015 World Series title.
Of his many highlights in a Royals uniform, Hosmer may best be remembered for his bold dash home from third base — on a grounder to third base — in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the Fall Classic against the Mets.
Perez hit a slow roller to David Wright’s left, and he fielded and threw to first. Hosmer, however, ran for home as soon as the ball left Wright’s hand, sliding in safely to tie the game at 2. Hosmer jumped up and pumped his fist in celebration, and the Royals eventually won 7-2 in 12 innings to win the World Series.
Hosmer hit a home run and was MVP of the All-Star Game in 2016 but left after the 2017 season as a free agent. His career, however, was never the same. He signed an eight-year, $144 million contract with the Padres but was traded to the Red Sox with three years left on his contract.
Hosmer played 14 games with Boston and was later released. He played 31 games with the Cubs last season but was released in May and didn’t sign with another team.
But with the Royals, Hosmer was at his best. In seven seasons in Kansas City, Hosmer hit .284 with 127 homers and 566 RBIs. He also won a Silver Slugger award and four Gold Gloves. It’s possible Hosmer could sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a Royal like Cain did last season.
