Josh Willingham Announces Retirment
Although he was traded away from the Minnesota Twins last season, Josh Willingham provided Minnesota with some great memories. Despite being a less than stellar left fielder, his bat brought some of the more impressive home runs that Target Field had seen. Today he has decided to call his career good and hang up his cleats.
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At 35 years old, Willingham played in the major leagues for 11 years, and was a member of the Marlins, Nationals, Athletics, Twins, and Royals. He finishes his career with a .253 average while hitting 195 home runs and driving in 632 runs.
On the field, he provided veteran leadership to a young Twins team. His first season with the Twins in 2012, Josh Willingham hit 35 home runs and plated 110 runs. Looking like an All-Star candidate, he ended up taking home an American League Silver Slugger award.
His 2014 season came to an end just short of a World Series ring as the Giants defeated the Royals in game 7.
Josh Willingham was known throughout Twins Territory as one of the most approachable players in the clubhouse and for being an all-around good guy.
As he headed into the 2015 season with uncertainty without a guaranteed contract, retirement became the conclusion that Josh Willingham reached as his next move. Thanks for the memories Hammer.