Nick Markakis retires after 15 years with Braves, Oriloes

ATLANTA (AP) — Outfielder Nick Markakis has retired after 15-year career with the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles.

The 37-year-od Markakis, who was a free agent, told The Athletic in a story published Friday that he was done playing after accumulating 2,388 hits, earning his lone All-Star selection in 2018 and coming within one win of reaching the World Series in his final season.

Braves manager Brian Snitker called Markakis “the consummate pro in everything he did.”

Even though he no longer fit into the team's plans, Snitker said Markakis' presence was missed in the Braves clubhouse. The manager talked with him on Thursday about his retirement plans before he made them official.

“It's a big hole in there without him,” Snitker said. “We all miss him. Just his stability and the calming influence he had on everybody. It was just a great career. ... I felt honored to manage him for the last few years of his career.”

Both of teams that Markakis played for congratulated him on his career.

“We wish you all the best in your retirement, Nick!” the Braves wrote on their Twitter account.

“Congrats to Nick Markakis on his retirement from baseball after an incredible 15-year career,” said the Orioles, who were Markakis' team for his first nine seasons. “Thank you for the memories, the hustle, and your countless contributions to this organization. Best of luck in your next chapter, Nick!”

Markakis joined the Orioles in 2006 and played at least 104 games every season until his last, finishing with a career average of .288. He initially opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, only to change his mind and return to the Braves in a part-time role.

He hit a walk-off homer in his first game back and nearly reached the World Series for the first...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Nick-Markakis-retires-after-15-years-with-Braves-16021122.php