Jason Kipnis has announced his retirement after 10 MLB seasons.
The two-time All-Star posted his announcement to Twitter on Monday afternoon, with Cleveland and the organization for which he spent nine years of his career among those thanked.
"To Cleveland, thank you for being you," said Kipnis. "I was lucky to be drafted by you. I always wanted my play to echo the city's attitude every time I took the field. There were ups and downs of my career sure, but one thing I never wanted you to question was how hard I played for the name on the front. I tried to make you proud every game. You guys gave me the chance to live out my dream and I'll never forget some of the amazing moments we shared together!"
A Chicago native and childhood Cubs fan who was neighbors with Steve Bartman, Kipnis was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft and worked his way into the club's starting second base spot. Found among the top of the Cleveland batting order for most of his career, Kipnis slashed .260/.333/.416 with 126 homers and 136 stolen bases over 1,165 career plate appearances. In both of his All-Star seasons (2013 and '15), he finished in the top 16 of the American League MVP vote. In 2013, Kipnis helped the Indians make their first playoff appearance in six years with a diving stop that sealed a Wild Card-clinching win over the Minnesota Twins.
Kipnis' diving stop sends Tribe to playoffs
9/29/13: Jason Kipnis lays out to make a diving stop at second and fires to first for the final out as the Indians clinch a playoff berth
In 2016, Kipnis was part of the Cleveland club that won their first AL pennant since 1997. In Game 7 of the ensuing World Series against the Cubs, Kipnis would reach base and score on a wild pitch that boosted the Indians' eventual rally and near-win over Chicago.
Allen nails the save, Indians win pennant
10/19/16: Cody Allen gets Troy Tulowitzki to pop up to Carlos Santana to clinch the ALCS and send the Indians to the World Series
WS2016 Gm7: Kipnis singles, two score on wild pitch
Jason Kipnis reaches second on a hit and an error before he and Carlos Santana score on a wild pitch in the 5th inning
On Sep. 20, 2018, Kipnis recorded his 1000th career hit on a walk-off grand slam to earn a 4-1 Indians victory over the Chicago White Sox. He also became the first player in franchise history to record 100 home runs, 100 steals, and 1000 hits.
Jason Kipnis gets 1,000th hit on walk-off grand slam
Jason Kipnis records his 1,000th hit on a walk-off grand slam, becoming the first Indian with 100 home runs, 100 steals and 1,000 hits
Kipnis would spend the 2020 campaign with his hometown Cubs before spending 2021 within the Atlanta Braves' minor league system.