However, Moore said there will be an "Alex Gordon Day" at Kauffman Stadium in the future. "On the field, off the field, his work ethic and his commitment truly has reached legendary status here in this organization," Moore said.įans weren't able to say goodbye from the stands on Sunday.
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Royals general manager Dayton Moore said when he found out about the retirement, he felt grateful that Gordon dedicated his entire professional career to the team. "But unfortunately, baseball's not like that. That would have been great," Gordon said with a smile.
"I would have loved the journey if it was just all ups. Looking back on his career, Gordon said he didn't give up when he hit slumps because his parents taught him to work hard, not complain and stay positive no matter what happens.
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Gordon also played an important role in the Royals' back-to-back World Series trips that resulted in their 2015 championship. Later that year he returned to the Royals and developed into a highly touted outfielder who would go on to become a seven-time Gold Glove winner, three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a Platinum Glove winner.
It was there that Gordon discovered he thrived in left field. The Royals demoted Gordon to the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2010 to help him find a better position. A hip surgery in 2009 and a broken wrist bone in 2010 made it worse. Gordon had a rough time covering third base in the pros. "I was like, 'Hey, this, this is going to be pretty easy if I keep doing this.'" "I got a standing ovation coming out, and got a standing ovation going in," Gordon said. Although Schilling's splitter sent Gordon back to the dugout, Royals fans showed him some love. When he stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was staring him down from the mound.
Even though he struck out in his first at bat, he still remembers it with a smile. "Being fortunate and lucky enough to get drafted by the team you grew up watching was pretty ideal," Gordon said.Īs part of the Royals' Opening Day starting lineup in 2007, expectations were high. His childhood dream became reality when the Royals selected him as the second overall pick in the 2005 MLB draft In college, he became a standout player at the University of Nebraska. As a kid, he told one of his elementary school teachers that he would make it to the big leagues. Gordon grew up in Lincoln, Neb., cheering for the MLB team closest to his hometown–the Royals. "It's just incredible to see the consistency, the dedication and the sacrifice he makes day in and day out to do what he does and be the player he is," Merrifield said. The team couldn't even persuade him to try a slice of birthday cake at a recent dinner. Even when there were only a few days remaining in his professional career, Gordon didn't stray from his healthy diet, training or game prep. Merrifield said what is most impressive about Gordon is his dedication. Merrifield and Gordon have grown close while sharing the outfield and having lockers next to each other's. "I think I've cried at least five times already today because you've got a buddy that is a part of your family that is moving on." "I think of all of us, in our selfish ways, are all sad today," Merrifield said. Merrifield said that although he is happy that Gordon will get more time with his family, it's hard to see him go. But at the same time, I'm excited to be around my family, be around my kids and just catch up on things I've missed my whole life." "It's kind of bittersweet because this is hard for me to do. "At the end of the day, I'm missing my kids in their activities more than I'm going to miss ," he said. He wants to spend more time with his kids, especially now that his two older sons, ages 10 and seven, are starting to play sports. The 36-year-old’s future will now include learning golf so he can challenge his former teammates, cheating on his strict diet, and most importantly, spending time with his wife and three children.įrom late March until early October, Gordon was away from his wife and three young children while traveling. The two embraced in the outfield before Gordon hugged the rest of his teammates and exited the field to a standing ovation from the Royals and Tigers' dugouts. Click here to visit the PG Cares Foundation to begin: You can make a simple donation or register to create your individual/team fundraising page from the link above.After 14 years with the Kansas City Royals, Alex Gordon played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.ĭuring the second inning, Gordon gave up his spot in left field to his good friend and fellow outfielder Whit Merrifield. As part of the event, each team is encouraged to help support the fight, and it’s not too late! Every dollar amount counts $50 funds 1 hour of research.
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