Former Braves Utility Player Charlie Culberson Announces Retirement

An iconic fan of the Atlanta Braves is officially hanging up his cleats.

Rome-born and Calhoun High School graduate Charlie Culberson announced his retirement from Major League

Baseball on Thursday afternoon.

“Since I was a young child, baseball has been a part of my life,” Culberson wrote on social media. “I was able to fall in

love with baseball and declare that I would play in Major League Baseball one day because I grew up around the

game.” This was not an accident; rather, it was made possible by the individuals in my life who supported me.

Culberson, who was draughted by the Giants in 2007, participated in 11 major league seasons before making his San

Francisco debut in 2012. After playing for his native Atlanta Braves in July of last year, he concluded his major

league career with stints with the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers.

“This drive was fuelled by so many amazing coaches, teammates, friends, and family members, and I wanted to be

the best baseball player I could be at the highest level,” Culberson remarked. “Too many people to mention, who

supported me throughout my career. Many individuals supported my family and me during this insane yet fulfilling

journey through baseball.

Playing various positions, Culberson spent most of his career as an important bench player. In 586 games, 1,212 at-

bats, 30 home runs, 145 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases were recorded with a.248 average.

“A few things that bring back memories of ‘the grind’ are having teammates pile into my truck to go to the gym in the

morning, living with five guys in a tiny apartment and long bus rides in the minor leagues,” Culberson remarked.

21 playoff games were played by Culberson, who was a Dodger in the 2017 World Series.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of the coaches that helped me become a better baseball player—from the days

when I played baseball “behind the levee” in Rome to high school, the minor leagues, and the major leagues,”

Culberson stated. “As a result, I’m a better man.”

In 3,655 plate appearances, Culberson finished his minor league career with a.264 average, 68 home runs, and 412

RBI. He also made appearances on the pitching during his time with Triple-A Gwinnett.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of my teammates over the years for always pushing and supporting me to

become a better player and person,” Culberson remarked. “I hope I was able to have some effect on you all in the

same way.”

As the current big league season comes to an end, Culberson has decided to retire, after making an attempt to

reinvent himself as a relief pitcher this past spring.

In addition, Culberson expressed gratitude to his wife Sarah and his whole family for their time spent assisting him

in pursuing his career, saying he felt “blessed” to be wearing the big league uniform.

“I tried my best to represent both the name on the front and the name on the back with class, dignity, and grace,”

Culberson added. “Although it was an incredible honour, the next chapter is now ready to begin.”

Culberson holds memberships in the sports halls of fame in Calhoun-Gordon County and Rome-Floyd.