Get Out The Tissues: Read Joe Mauer's Letter To Twins Fans

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer announced Friday he will retire after playing 15 seasons with his hometown team. Mauer won the AL MVP, three batting titles, three Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and made six All-Star appearances during his years with the Minnesota Twins.

Mauer, 35, is a graduate of Cretin-Durham Hall. He made his major league debut with the Twins in 2004, and played 15 seasons with the club.

In announcing his departure from the MLB, Mauer penned an emotional letter to Twins fans.

The 35-year-old father of two twin daughters wrote that injuries, including the concussion he suffered this season, played an outsized role in his decision.

"People always told me how much things change when you become a parent, and they were right. After my concussion this season I found myself wondering about "what if" situations."

"Experiencing a concussion looks different for everyone, but my personal experience forced me to look beyond baseball at what is best for me as a husband and father."

Reflecting on his career, Mauer said he's learned that baseball is "so much more than winning or losing. It's about so much more than stats and personal accolades. For me it's about the life lessons I have learned along the way. It's about the struggles and triumphs that put things into perspective, and about all of the people I have met who have helped mold me into the person I am today."

"Thank you Minnesota Twins, and thank you fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was. Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart."

Read the full letter on the Twins website or below:

Early hints at retirement

In a surprise move during the team's last game of the season, Mauer came out in catching gear for the first time in years.

Watch the special moment below:

Read the entire report on Joe Mauer's last game with the Twins.

Photo: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins acknowledges the crowd after a double against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning of the game on September 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)