Andrus retires as Ranger after 15-year career
Elvis Andrus announced his retirement as an active player on Friday afternoon at a Globe Life Field press conference. Andrus retired as a Texas Ranger after playing the first 12 seasons of his 15-year Major League career in Arlington.
At the press conference, Andrus was joined by his former teammate, Rangers Hall of Famer and current team Special Assistant to the General Manager Michael Young, and Los Angeles Angels Manager Ron Washington, who was Texas’ manager during Andrus’ first six Major League seasons.
Andrus and Young will also participate in tonight’s ceremonial first pitch prior to the Rangers’ game with the Angels. Andrus will be accompanied by his three children to the mound and his son, Elvis will throw the actual pitch to Young.
“The Texas Rangers want to congratulate Elvis Andrus on an outstanding Major League career,” said Rangers Managing Partner & Majority Owner Ray Davis. “Over 12 seasons in a Rangers uniform, Elvis represented this organization at the highest level, both on and off the field.
“Playing the demanding shortstop position, he was a major contributor on five playoff teams and two American League champions. His speed resulted in him becoming the all-time franchise leader in stolen bases, and his durability allowed him to play the second most games ever by a Ranger. Elvis played the game with passion and enthusiasm.
“He also was committed to helping others through his community outreach and remains active in these efforts as a fulltime area resident. The Rangers wish Elvis, his wife Cori, and their children, Elvis, Lucia, and Michael the very best as they enter this new chapter in their lives.”
Andrus has a .269 batting average with 102 homers, 775 RBI, and 347 stolen bases in 2,059 career games with Texas (2009-20), Oakland (2021-22), and the Chicago White Sox (2022-23). He has not played in 2024 after being in Spring Training with Arizona on a minor league contract.
Acquired from Atlanta in July 2007, the 20-year-old Andrus made his big league debut on opening day in 2009 and went on to produce a .274/.330/.372 slash line with 76 homers and 636 RBI in 1652 games with Texas through the 2020 season. He is the Rangers’ all-time leader with 305 stolen bases, ranks second in games, at bats (6,366), and triples (48), and is third in runs (893) and hits (1,743).
The two-time AL All-Star (2010 and 2012) was the Rangers’ Rookie of the Year in 2009 and the club’s Player of the Year in 2017, when he set career bests with 100 runs, 191 hits, 44 doubles, 20 homers, and 88 RBI. Appearing exclusively at shortstop with Texas, Andrus played in 145 or more games in ten of 11 seasons from 2009-19.
Andrus is the Rangers’ all-time postseason leader in games (42), at bats (173), hits (46), and stolen bases (9) with a .266 career average that included a .294 (20-68) figure in 16 playoff games in 2010.