You know how the saying goes, “Once a White Sox, always a White Sox.”
After a 12-year Major League career, one of the team’s former catchers, Tyler Flowers, has decided to retire. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Flowers had developed a third degenerative disk in his back after battling through two previously, ultimately leading to his decision to hang it up and call it a career.
Flowers, 35, was originally drafted by the Braves with the 33rd round pick of the 2005 MLB Draft. After spending three seasons with the organization’s minor league affiliates, he was traded to the White Sox as part of the 2008 deal that sent pitchers Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to Atlanta. Less than a year later, he was called up from Triple-A Charlotte on September 1, 2009 and made his MLB debut just two days after.
Over his seven seasons (431 games) with the White Sox, Flowers slashed .223/.289/.376 with 46 home runs and 142 RBI. While his bat never reached the potential hoped for by many, his contributions on the defensive end will always be remembered. Flowers consistently ranked in the top end of pitch-framing metrics, a signature trait that carried over into the last five years of his career with the Braves.
While it’s disappointing to see Flowers’ playing days come to an end due to injury, the veteran will reportedly continue to work with the Braves organization by incorporating analytics into game plan preparation.
Here’s to a happy and healthy retirement!
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