MLB legend Brandon Crawford announces retirement at 37 in emotional statement

San Francisco Giants great Brandon Crawford has announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 37.

Crawford, who became a two-time World Series champion during his iconic 13-year stint with the Giants, revealed in an emotional Instagram post that it’s “time for the next chapter” after spending a season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The legendary shortstop also thanked his hometown team for “allowing me to live my dream and be a part of so much during my career in San Francisco.”

‘At this time of year I am constantly reminded of the things in my life that I am most grateful for. Baseball is one of them,” Crawford said. “Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and for the rest of my life I will be grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has given me.

‘Time is precious. I’m incredibly grateful for all the years I’ve spent playing the game I love, but now it’s time to spend it with the people I’m most grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me all these years. It’s been an incredible ride…’

In addition to paying tribute to the Giants, Crawford also complimented the Cardinals, where he spent the final year of his baseball career.

He then concluded: ‘Baseball has given me, [wife] Jalynne and the kids more than we ever thought possible, and for that we are so grateful. I couldn’t have had the career I have had without their love and support along the way.”

Crawford, who played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins, was selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

He became the sixth player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his debut, and the first shortstop ever to hit one in a postseason game.

In addition to winning the World Series in 2012 and 2014 and becoming a three-time All-Star, Crawford made the most appearances at shortstop for the Giants in franchise history with a total of 1,654.