Jason Kipnis, ex-Cleveland second baseman, expresses gratitude in announcing retirement from MLB

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The ride has come to an end for one of the best second basemen in Cleveland franchise history. Jason Kipnis officially announced his retirement Monday in a letter posted to his social media accounts.

A second round pick by the Indians in the 2009 draft out of Arizona State, Kipnis played nine seasons with Cleveland and ranks first among second basemen in franchise history with 123 home runs, second with 252 doubles and 135 steals and third with 529 RBI and a 20.5 WAR.

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One of the club’s core players identified by Cleveland’s front office early in his career, Kipnis was an instrumental part of three consecutive American League Central Division titles for the Indians (2016-18) and played a vital role on the AL Championship team that reached Game 7 of the World Series in 2016.

Kipnis was named to two All-Star teams (2013, 2015) and won the 2012 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award at second base in 2012. He finished seventh in the AL in batting in 2015 (.303) and seventh in on-base percentage (.372). That year he ranked second in the AL in doubles (43) and finished 16th in AL Most Valuable Player voting.

In his retirement letter, Kipnis lamented not getting the opportunity to go out on his own terms.

“Breaking my hamate bone on my last swing with Cleveland meant no fun hat tip before leaving,” he said. “Instead it ended the way my professional career started, riding buses in the minor leagues.”

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Kipnis played the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with his hometown Chicago Cubs before hanging on for one final minor league season in the Braves organization in 2021.

“My mind and body just aren’t up for the commitment anymore,” Kipnis wrote. “Frustrating at first, but there’s only one feeling I’m left with that stands out above all ... gratitude.”

Kipnis went on to thank his family and friends for their support as well as the teammates, coaches and trainers who guided him through his big league career. He thanked Cleveland in a special way, noting that there were ups and downs, but he was proud that his play on the field echoed the city’s attitude every time he suited up.

“One thing I never wanted you to question was how hard I played for the name on the front (of the jersey),” Kipnis write. “I tried to make you proud every game.”

Nicknamed “Dirtbag,” Kipnis’ gritty play showed up in the box scores as much as his boisterous personality overwhelmed the dugout. He connected with fans through his annual postseason “shoe toss” outside the gates of Progressive Field and was always affable and approachable in the Cleveland clubhouse. He said baseball has had an “immeasurable impact” on his life and that he was honored to play the game.

“I may regret the way it ended, but I will never regret what we had,” he said. “I am forever a fan of yours.”

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