Infielder Craig Counsell will retire as a ballplayer and join the Brewers' front office, tweets Scott Miller of CBS Sports. The Wisconsin native is known for his quirky stance and involvement in the winning scoring plays of the 1997 and 2001 World Series.
Counsell spent most of his 16-year big league career at second base, third base, and shortstop, hitting .255/.342/.344 for the Rockies, Marlins, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Brewers. According to Baseball-Reference, he earned almost $21MM along the way.
I think Craig could have played another year or so, but best of luck to him in his new venture.
What made you feel like he could play another year. I wanted to leave him off the playoff roster
His versatility, cost to rent him for a year, and he can still play a good shortstop. The bat on the other hand…he’s only good if he is getting everyday play (regular reps) as opposed to coming off of the bench.
Bianchi and Izturis can pick it at SS with no bat whatsoever. Counsell was redundant and 10 years too old to play the role given the current depth.
Good for him. His batting stance will live on forever.
I’m sure he will miss playing, but I’m glad he is sticking with his hometown team in a non-playing role.
Really? .342 OBP, versatile and pretty good defense and he only made $20mil in 16 years? Did he take a hometown discount?
$500,000 per career homerun. Pretty good work if you can get it.
Good hire for the Brewers.
The only of all the scrappy vet types I ever like. Good luck with the new gig Craig!
It’s awesome how he scored the game winning run in two WS.
He didn’t score the winning run in ’01. He was on first after getting hit in the hand.
Gonzo did that.
A mighty fine career had he.
I’m sure he’ll do well with the Brewers’ FO. I’m glad he’s retiring – guy had a reputation for being a Cub killer.
He hasn’t really killed anyone the last few years, but was versatile enough to warrant a roster spot, given how much fans/the Brewers love Craig (he’s from the area). Good luck to Craig, seems like he can be minor league hitting coach as soon as he says the word.
Very happy to see Craig Stay with the crew congrats on a long and amazing playing career!
Nice solid role-player on some good teams. Left handed bat, could get on base, played the middle infield, and could pick it pretty well. Did a bit of everything except hit for power. Always room for guys like that in the game. Seems well-liked and respected, went to ND, probably a natural fit in a front office.
not the best last year but glad to keep him on board.
Traded to the Marlins in 1997 for Mark Hutton… thanks
. Neat little fact.. Mark Hutton has 2 WS Rings.. one from the Yankees in 1996 and one from the Marlins in 1997… both times he was traded mid season to another team