January 5th, 2024
The Houston Astros squeezed into a joyful huddle on the dais, newly crowned as 2022 World Series champions, and the Commissioner’s Trophy very quickly made its way into Michael Brantley’s hands. His teammates made certain of that.vAfter 1,430 Major League games, he had earned his World Series ring.
Brantley hadn’t played after June 26 of that season because of a fourth surgery on his right shoulder, but his teammates wanted him at the center of the celebration. They knew the magnitude of his contributions to what they’d achieved. Brantley had remained the conscience of the clubhouse, a trusted confidante for players who sought advice on hitting or any subject at all.
“That was the most special part for me,” Brantley recalled on Thursday in a telephone interview with MLB.com. “My teammates putting me front and center, telling me to raise the trophy up — I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I’m always going to remember that.”
Brantley became a World Series champion that night in a fashion that affirmed his widely acknowledged status as one of the most respected players of his generation. It is difficult to imagine a more satisfying legacy.
Now Brantley heads into retirement with gratitude about his journey — and excitement about what lies ahead — following a decorated career in which he batted .298 over 10 seasons in Cleveland and five in Houston.