Elvis Andrus Returns Home: Rangers Legend Signs Off with Emotional Retirement Deal
Elvis Andrus Officially Retires with the Texas Rangers
Elvis Andrus signed a symbolic one-day contract to officially retire with the Texas Rangers, the team for which he played the first 12 of his 15 seasons in the Major League.
The Venezuelan debuted in the Majors at age 20 as a shortstop in 2009, and appeared frequently in that position when the Rangers reached two consecutive World Series in 2010 and 2011.
Andrus was also part of the teams that won the American League West Division in 2015 and 2016.
A two-time All-Star, Andrus sat in a news conference between Michael Young, his longtime teammate, and Ron Washington, his manager in his first six seasons with the club. Washington is now the manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who play Texas this weekend.
“This is where he has made his biggest impact, where the community loves him. Our fan base loves him,” said Young, now a special assistant to Rangers general manager Chris Young.
Elvis Jr, aged seven and the youngest of Andrus’ three children, starred in the first pitching ceremony. He sent the ball to Young.
“He was able to handle the bat and the glove well, as well as running the bases. He was a very special player,” Washington highlighted in reference to Andrus.
Andrus collected 2,091 hits and hit .269 with 102 homers, 775 RBI and 347 steals in 2,059 career games with Texas (2009-20), the Oakland Athletics (2021-22) and the Chicago White Sox (2022-23).
He attended preseason training this year with the Arizona Diamondbacks under a minor league contract, but was released before the season began.
Texas signed Andrus from Atlanta in July 2007 in a six-player trade that sent Mark Teixeira to the Braves.
Andrus leads the Rangers with 305 steals; second in games with 1,652, as well as in shifts with 6,366 and triples with 48. He is third in runs (893) and hits (1,743).
Elvis Andrus’ Career Highlights
- 2,091 hits
- .269 batting average
- 102 home runs
- 775 RBI
- 347 steals
- 2-time All-Star
- Won American League West Division in 2015 and 2016