PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He was one of the energy players. A guy who was willing to do anything as part of three teams that made the playoffs from 2013-15. Josh Harrison announced his retirement on Saturday.
The 37-year-old was a sixth-round pick out of the University of Cincinnati by the Cubs in 2008. The 5’8” utility player broke in with the Pirates in 2011 and over eight seasons scored 363 runs, 773 hits, 154 doubles, 27 triples, 52 home runs, 269 RBI, 75 stolen bases, .277 average.
He was a huge part of the Pirates 2014 season hitting .315 with an .837 OPS in 143 games with 38 doubles, seven triples, 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Most of those numbers were career-highs including the 5.6 WAR.
“He was just a ball of energy,” said former Pirate and Pirates broadcaster Kevin Young on 93.7 The Fan. “He brought the energy into the clubhouse. He took it out on the field with him. Hats off to what he was able to do in a Pirates uniform.”
"He's a guy I always had a ton of respect for."
With the Bucs, Harrison played second base, third base, shortstop, left field, right field, designated hitter, was a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner and even pitched in a game. It seemed like no play was over that Harrison was involved in, several times being able to work his way out of rundowns.
Harrison also played with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland A’s, Chicago White Sox and ended his career with the Phillies. He finished with a 16.4 WAR with 500 runs, 1,080 hits, 218 doubles, 388 RBI, 187 walks.