:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62257733/usa_today_11355242.0.jpg)
Joe Mauer is retiring: the Minnesota Twins catcher and then first baseman is hanging it up after fifteen major league seasons, per reports out of Minnesota. Mauer, a Minnesota native picked first overall in the 2001 draft over more heralded amateurs Mark Prior and Mark Teixeira, gave up a chance to play quarterback at Florida State to go pro in baseball with the Twins, and spent his entire career with the organization.
Mauer was the best catcher in baseball in the late-aughts, and won the MVP Award in 2009, though concussions dogged him and ultimately forced a move to first base after the 2013 season. He ends his career with a .306/.388/.439 slash line, with six All Star appearances, five Silver Sluggers and four Gold Gloves. His 55.1 career bWAR is 8th best among catchers in MLB history, and all seven ahead of him on the list are in the Hall of Fame.
You can read his letter to Twins fans, announcing his decision, here.