On May 18, 2025, Kolten Wong, the two-time Gold Glove second baseman, announced his retirement from professional baseball at age 34, closing an 11-year MLB career, per Yahoo Sports. Kolten Wong shared the news while throwing the first pitch at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, where he was inducted into the Circle of Honor, per CBSSports.com.
This article delves into Kolten Wong’s career highlights, his retirement decision, and his lasting legacy, offering fans a heartfelt tribute to a beloved player.
Background: Wong’s Journey from Hawaii to MLB Stardom
Kolten Wong, a first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, debuted in 2013 and became a cornerstone of their infield, per SI.com. Known for his elite defense, Kolten Wong won Gold Gloves in 2019 and 2020, boasting a 22.0 career WAR, eighth-highest in the 2011 draft class alongside stars like Gerrit Cole, per SI.com.
According to Yahoo Sports, Kolten Wong spent eight seasons with the Cardinals, two with the Milwaukee Brewers, and had stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles in 2024, in addition to minor league contracts with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles.
SI.com reports that during 1,189 games, he has a.256 average, 86 home runs, and 120 stolen bases. Kolten Wong’s last seasons, however, were tainted by setbacks, particularly a 2023 Mariners.165 average and a 2024 Orioles spring training.587 OPS, which resulted in his dismissal, according to CBSSports.com.
Kolten Wong prioritized his family over pursuing his career in Japan, despite considering prospects there, as revealed in the November 2024 episode of the “Foul Territory” podcast, according to Yardbarker.com.
Retirement Announcement: A Hawaiian Homecoming
Kolten Wong’s retirement was announced during a poignant ceremony at Les Murakami Stadium, where his No. 14 jersey was retired in 2017, per Yahoo Sports. The University of Hawaii-Manoa honored him with a video tribute and Circle of Honor induction, celebrating his collegiate and MLB achievements, per CBSSports.com.
Fans responded favorably to Kolten Wong’s choice to retire and concentrate on raising his family, as reported by @Brian_McInnis on Spectrum News. His defensive skills and 2019–20 Gold Gloves were lauded in posts on X, including as @MLB’s tribute.
According to SI.com, Kolten Wong was released on May 27 after serving his final professional stint with the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in 2024. According to MLB.com, his willingness to play third base for the Orioles during spring training demonstrated his versatility, but his MLB dreams were dashed by a lack of offensive output. His stint with the Cardinals and his 95 OPS+ were highlighted in the retirement announcement, which was reported by @SportsHubSTL.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Kolten Wong’s defensive excellence defined his career. His 1,105 fielding appearances at second base included standout moments like a 2014 NLCS double play against the Dodgers, per SI.com. Offensively, he shone in 2019, hitting .285 with 11 homers, and stole two bases in a single 2023 Dodgers game, per CBSSports.com. Fans on X, like @theredbird_way, cherished his 2013 NLCS homer, a defining Cardinals moment, per @theredbird_way.
Kolten Wong’s influence persists despite difficulties in her later career. According to Yahoo Sports, his reputation was solidified by his 120 stolen bases and clutch postseason performance, which included a.333 average in the 2014 NLCS. His effort and Hawaiian pride were recognized by the Cardinals’ fan base, according to @SportsHubSTL, and his retirement sparked accolades throughout baseball, according to @MLB.
Why Wong’s Retirement Matters
Kolten Wong’s retirement marks the end of an era for Cardinals fans and Hawaiian baseball. His journey from a University of Hawaii star to a Gold Glove winner inspires young athletes, per Yahoo Sports. For fans, his defensive wizardry and clutch moments, like tying a 2023 Dodgers game, are unforgettable, per CBSSports.com. As Kolten Wong steps away to focus on family, his legacy as a gritty, versatile player endures, making his farewell a poignant moment in 2025 baseball, per SI.com.
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