Giants fans are devastated that Brandon Crawford is leaving the San Francisco Giants for the St. Louis Cardinals. He has signed a $2 million contract for 1-year after playing with the Giants for 13 straight seasons. He played shortstop, the baseball position where the player catches the ball between second and third base in the midfield.
When Brandon Crawford began playing baseball in the Bay Area, he wanted to become a Giant. He grew up rooting for his hometown team, the San Francisco Giants. Crawford was also a big part of the 2012 and 2014 World Series runs, winning twice in three seasons.
So why did he leave? Brandon stated in his message with The Athletic that the Giants did not want him. “The bottom line is [that] I was not wanted back by the one person whose (opinion) matters,” Crawford said, referring to the Giants’ president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi. Due to this statement by Farhan, Crawford decided it was time to leave his hometown team. If Crawford had his way, he would play with the Giants until he decided to retire.
Brandon Crawford is a beloved player by many Giants fans. Fans praise him for the glory on and off the baseball field. He has won The Roberto Clemente Award three times for giving back to the community. One example of Crawford’s involvement in the Bay Area is at Wilson Park in Vallejo. He helped with the baseball field renovation to inspire many kids to grow up and play in the MLB like him. As a Giant, Crawford has been nominated for The Golden Glove Award four times. He won it consecutively from 2015 to 2017 and another in 2021. The Golden Glove is the award presented to the best defenders in each position.
Although many are sad that Crawford is leaving for St. Louis, it is important to know that he decided to continue his career in a different city. Good luck to Brandon Crawford as he furthers his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Sources:
https://www.sfgate.com/giants/slideshow/brandon-crawford-stands-out-in-his-first-year-on-50373.php
https://www.mlb.com/news/brandon-crawford-earns-third-roberto-clemente-nomination
https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/brandon-crawford-departure-farhan-zaidi-fault-18698540.php
