On Tuesday afternoon, Fox Sports baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal dropped this bombshell on Twitter, reporting that Rangers slugger Prince Fielder may be announcing his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday.
Sources: Prince Fielder’s career appears over. #Rangers expected to hold press conference tomorrow.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 9, 2016
Fielder was shut down for the season on July 20 after being told he would have to undergo neck surgery for a herniation in the C4/C5 area of his neck. Fielder has previously undergone spinal fusion surgery as well.
If indeed Fielder’s career is over, it’s truly a shame. He is only 32 years old, and even though he struggled this season, there’s no doubt if he was healthy, he could have played several more years. Just last season, Fielder hit .305 with 23 home runs in 158 games.
The strangest part about Fielder’s potential retirement, though, is that he would end his career with 319 total home runs, which just so happens to be the same as a certain other former Tigers 1st baseman.
Prince Fielder could retire with 319 home runs, which is the same total as his dad, Cecil Fielder. That is just…weird.
— D.J. Short (@djshort) August 9, 2016
Prince and Cecil Fielder famously have had a complicated relationship, but it’s apparently gotten better over the past few years and the two are no longer estranged. It’s only fitting if Fielder does retire that he ends with the same number of home runs as his pops, as Prince and Cecil Fielder are the only ever father-son duo to both hit 50 home runs in a single season.
Fielder has played 12 major league seasons with the Brewers, Tigers, and Rangers and along with his 319 home runs, he also is a lifetime .283 hitter with 1,028 career RBI and 321 doubles. His absolute best moments, though, usually involved him gracefully running the bases, playing the infield, or eating nachos.
Enjoy the rest of your life, Prince, and thanks for the memories.
