Dexter Fowler, who played a crucial role in the Chicago Cubs‘ first World Series in over 100 years, announced his retirement from baseball.
Fowler announced his retirement from the game after a 14-year career in Major League Baseball. He made the announcement on both his Twitter and Instagram.
“It’s here. I’m hanging up my cleats,” Fowler said in the lengthy post. He detailed the long road he went on through his career and his call-up. And then, of course, went on to wax poetic about his time in Chicago.
“Forever grateful. Soaking wet and freezing on the field with tears in my eyes after winning the World Series in Chicago,” Fowler wrote.
Thank you to the fans.
Stay tuned for what’s next. pic.twitter.com/qZd84zge6Z
— dexfowler.eth (@DexterFowler) January 31, 2023
Fowler famously opened Game 7 of the 2016 World Series with a leadoff home run. He’s the only player in MLB history to hit a lead-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series. The homer started a parade of dingers the Cubs dished out in that memorable game. They went on to win in extra innings, earning their first World Series title in 108 years. Fowler was crucial that postseason and throughout the entire year. He quickly became a favorite and, as former manager Joe Maddon said to him several times, “You go, we go,” became a popular phrase amongst Cubs fans.
Fowler spent the rest of his career with the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Los Angeles Angels. He hit a career .259 batting average with an OPS of .775.
The MLB world said goodbye to Fowler after his retirement announcement. Not surprisingly, his World Series heroics for the Cubs were put over the top.
What a career! I'll never forget shooting this LOUD @Cubs fan reaction to @DexterFowler's leadoff HR in Game 7 of the #WorldSeries 🎥🔊⬆️ https://t.co/r3BHTQdnIG pic.twitter.com/p5ddIyrTIK
— Scott Changnon (@ScottyChags) January 31, 2023
This goes down as great reporting. The day in 2016 when @DexterFowler walked out to practice w Theo, in front of me and @MDGonzales. It only took us a min to fig out he re-signed w the team. Nearly made it to BP before anyone knew! Then was surrounded on the mound by teammates. pic.twitter.com/FhY5f8kcgK
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 31, 2023
Dexter Fowler on winning the 2016 World Series 🥹 pic.twitter.com/uA6wo4ww0v
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 31, 2023
Congratulations on an outstanding career @DexterFowler!
We can't wait to see what you have in store next. https://t.co/QDBdEG88Qj
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) January 31, 2023
dexter fowler using a picture in his cubs jersey for his retirement post is giving me a lot of feelings
— katie dzwierzynski (@kdzwierzynski) January 31, 2023
Congratulations on a great career @DexterFowler!
You're a great teammate, have a tireless work ethic and always keep us laughing.
We can’t wait to see what you do next and wish you the best! pic.twitter.com/HFBPjgZua8
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) January 31, 2023
One of my favs… Thank you, Champ!
It was such a pleasure to cover you & capture so many highlights & laughs during your tremendous career! Wishing you, Aliya & the girls nothing but the absolute best—excited for this next chapter @DexterFowler! https://t.co/tbS4LIYIe8 pic.twitter.com/N4BWoiKWW3— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) January 31, 2023
