Today, with immense gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball. For over half my life, every decision I’ve made has centered around how it would impact my baseball career. I’ve given every ounce of myself in pursuit of my lifelong dream of becoming a big leaguer. Playing 12 years in the show, reaching 7 postseasons, winning a World Series, and earning an All-Star selection — I never could’ve imagined it would turn out this way. Baseball was my first love. Outside of God and my family, nothing else has shaped me the way this game has. Even writing this, I can’t help but smile thinking about how much I still love the game after all this time. To all my teammates, coaches, and staff — it was an honor to chase the dream with you for so long. Your daily dedication and sacrifice were incredibly inspiring. I always aimed to be the best teammate I could be and to build up those around me. If my teammates remember one thing about me, I hope it’s that. To the braves ...