Kansas City Royals: Time to retire Alex Gordon’s number
By David Hill
In the wake of Alex Gordon’s retirement announcement, it is a matter of time before his number is retired by the Kansas City Royals.
George Brett. Frank White. Dick Howser. Those three are the only members of the Kansas City Royals organization to ever have their numbers retired. Brett and White were franchise icons, spending their entire careers in Kansas City en route to becoming two of the greatest players in team history. Howser finally delivered that long sought after championship in 1985, only to be struck down by cancer less than two years later.
And now, another lifetime Royal is hanging up the cleats. Alex Gordon has announced his retirement at the end of the season, bringing an end to his 14 seasons in Kansas City.
Gordon’s career was one of perseverance. He was once one of the more highly regarded prospects in the game, considered the heir to Brett at the hot corner. Instead, he struggled to live up to that billing, even being sent to the minors in 2010 to learn how to play left in what was seemingly a last ditch effort to salvage his career.
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As it turned out, that move not only saved Gordon’s career, but it made him a star with the Royals. He quickly became one of the greatest defensive left fielders in baseball history, his 120 runs saved ranking third all time. Gordon also became a solid hitter, his peak coinciding with the Royals resurgence and 2015 World Series title.
He ended up with a solid overall career. A three time All Star and seven time Gold Glove winner, Gordon had produced a lifetime .257/.338/.411 batting line, hitting 190 homers and 357 doubles while stealing 113 bases.
However, Gordon is missing out on a proper sendoff. With his final games coming this weekend, in a season without fans, he is missing out on the love from the Royals faithful. But that may not matter much to Gordon, especially as he considered retirement at the end of the 2019 season as well.
That outpouring of affection should come shortly. Gordon deserves to be the next player to have his number retired by the Royals, his number 4 fittingly being the fourth number so honored. He was a fan favorite, a home grown star who helped deliver the Royals back to glory. His contributions will never be forgotten.
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Kansas City Royals star Alex Gordon will retire at the end of the season. While his next stop may not be in Cooperstown, his number 4 should never be worn again.