That season he hit.305, with 23 homers and 98 RBIs.
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Three years ago, slugger Prince Fielder might have appeared the least likely Major League Baseball player to have to end his career due to injury. His two young sons sat at the podium, mostly with their heads down and shedding tears, and all of the Rangers players, coaches and staff filled the room at the Texas ballpark.
Fielder’s not officially retiring, because that would mean forfeiting the final $72 million on his contract.
Fielder, 32, recently had a second neck surgery that ended his 2016 season after 89 games (he had the initial procedure in 2014).
Jadyn Fielder, right, and his brother Haven, center, listen as their father, Texas Rangers’ Prince Fielder, left, speaks during a news conference before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday Aug. 10, 2016, in Arlington, Texas.
Fielder has been a force with the bat his entire career, especially in his days as a Milwaukee Brewers, where he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. He would have finished with 319 home runs.
Mets third baseman David Wright, who is suffering from the same neck problem as Fielder, hasn’t been able to play since May 27, and his future is also in doubt. He was traded to the Rangers following the 2013 season for Ian Kinsler in a move that has worked out splendidly for Detroit and less so for Texas.
Ken Rosenthal tweeted earlier today that Fielder’s career is expected to end, and the Rangers are holding a press conference tomorrow. He received the Silver Slugger Award three times during his career, but fell just short of being named MVP on several occasions.
“I’ve got three [family members] at home, and 25 more here”, Fielder said.
Fielder will finish his career tied for 116th on the all-time home run list, with 319 home runs. In 2009, he hit 46 homers and drove in a career-best 141 runs.
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With a yearly salary of $24 million and a 9-year contract to boot, Fielder was only two years short in getting $214 million upon joining the Texas Rangers. He also led the National League in homers in 2007 when he hit 50 – and in turn vaulted himself into the superstar conversation.
