Jeff Bagwell formally retired from the Houston Astros Friday. He belongs in the Hall of Fame and will become eligible in 2011. Astros owner Drayton McLane acknowledged Bagwell's importance, telling him: "In the 15 years you have played here, you have been the person that has lifted this franchise, and we thank you for that.
"A lot of great things have occurred. We've had championships, we've gone to the World Series, and we got a new stadium. And Jeff Bagwell has been an integral part. And I have said for many years that Jeff has been really the heartbeat of the Houston Astros."
Houston Mayor Bill White weighed in on Bagwell's retirement.
"The greatest hitter in Astros history may have hung up his spikes, but his home run trot keeps replaying in our best baseball memories," he said in a statement. "As a ballplayer, a team leader and a great community-minded Houstonian, we all appreciate having been witness to his career here. We look forward to his continued presence with our team, in our city and in the Hall of Fame."
Bagwell said he was grateful that he was able to spend his entire major league career with one team. He will remain with the Astros' organization as an assistant to the GM.
No comments:
Post a Comment