Class Act Move By The Royals!
While this isn’t just a Yankees thing—it’s a baseball thing—you have to admire and respect it. Hats off to the Royals for doing it the right way and a big salute to Mike Moustakas on a fantastic career. He’s always been a class act.
Moustakas is set to retire as a Kansas City Royal, the team that drafted him and where he made his biggest impact over 13 seasons in the majors. The Royals announced Monday that the 36-year-old infielder will sign a one-day contract on May 31, officially ending his career where it all started. He’ll also be honored before Kansas City’s home game against Detroit that evening.
Over his career, Moustakas hit .247 with 215 home runs and 683 RBIs across 1,427 games, playing not just for the Royals but also for Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Colorado, and the Los Angeles Angels. A three-time All-Star, he played his final major league game with the Angels on September 30, 2023.
These ceremonial retirements are such a great way to recognize a player who poured his heart and soul into a team. It reminds me of when Jeff Nelson did the same thing with the Yankees in 2007. Nelson wanted to retire as a Yankee, so he signed a minor league deal just to make it official, then immediately called it a career.
Reflecting on his 15-year career, Nelson said in a statement released by the Yankees, “I enjoyed a fulfilling major league career, and each season brought experiences and friends that I will cherish forever. But being able to be a part of four world championship teams with the Yankees, while playing in a place like Yankee Stadium in front of the greatest fans in the world—that time will always hold a special place in my heart.”
It’s always great to see teams honor players the right way. So, props to the Royals, and a huge round of applause for Moustakas—a true baseball guy.
You’re the man, Moose.
Source: http://bleedingyankeeblue.blogspot.com/2025/03/class-act-move-by-royals.html
