Michael Young is expected to announce his decision to retire on Friday, preventing the Dodgers from adding the veteran infielder to their 2014 roster. While a deal never seemed that close to being signed, rumors had swirled this offseason about his return.
Young established his career with the Texas Rangers, where he quickly became one of the most popular players in the organization. Starting out at second base, he eventually spent five years as their shortstop before moving to third and first base later in his career.
His best season came in 2005 when he led the league in hits and put up an impressive .331/.385/.513 line. From 2004-2011 he was an All-Star selection every season, except for one.
Perhaps his biggest accomplishment as a player is the amount of respect and admiration he has earned from others in baseball. Young has frequently been noted for his leadership in the clubhouse, and is always called a "class act" by teammates, management, media and fans.
Upon announcement of his retirement many players came out to offer up their thoughts on Young and how he will be missed. Dodgers starting catcher expressed this similar sentiment on Twitter, despite only spending a few short months with him.
Only able to share a clubhouse with Michael Young for a couple months but he clearly confirmed his rep as best teammate in the game. — AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) January 30, 2014
Congrats on great career Mike. Honor to play with not only a pure hitter but a family man of pure class. — AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) January 30, 2014
Young spent the first 13 years of his career in Texas. In 2013 he played 126 games in Philadelphia and another 21 in Los Angeles. With the Dodgers he was used mainly as a bat off the bench, hitting .314/.321/.392 in 51 at-bats.
Young is expected to make an announcement on Friday, in Texas, despite reports of having multiple offers on the table for 2014. He will go down as the Texas Rangers all-time leader in hits.
