2050-7 Karyabwite Retires

[indiansfan]

Karyabwite Retires

Juan Karyabwite has decided to hang it up after 18 seasons in the BBA. He spent this season and most of last in Calgary’s minor league system mentoring younger players. The outfielder will be remembered as one of the all time greats to ever wear a Calgary uniform and seems destined to join the BBA Hall of Fame.

“It was time. I can still hit the ball, but my legs are gone. Too many times around the bases and they are all worn out,” Karyabwite said. “I tell you, it has been one hell of a ride.”

The team’s all time leader in hits 3057, runs 1564, stolen bases 797, singles 2083, doubles 602 and at bats 10103. He is the only player in team history to bat over 10,000 times. He was selected to 4 All Star teams and was a 3 time playoff MVP. Unfortunately he never was able to win a championship.

Karyabwite should be a serious contender for the BBA Hall of Fame. He won the Gillstrom Award as rookie of the year, 6 Zimmer Awards and 2 Silver Sluggers. He ranks 19th in league history in hits, 17th in stolen bases and 18th in doubles.

“Juan is one of our all time greats,” GM Kevin Dickson said. “We will be holding a ceremony next season to honor him and I expect that he will continue to work with the team in a coaching position. It sure has been a pleasure watching him play.

Like teammates Dan Leonard and Francisco Medina, Karyabwite is another of the great international free agents that Calgary has discovered. He signed with the team in 2029 for a $6 million bonus and debuted in Calgary in 2032.

[Joshua Biddle]

Had a great career!