Kevin Kiermaier won over the hearts of Toronto Blue Jays fans when he patrolled the outfield for a season and a half with the team.
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It turns out the fans won over his heart during that time, too.
Kiermaier delivered a special message to Jays fans via the team’s social media accounts on Wednesday as he enjoyed his second week of retirement.
The four-time Gold Glove winner expressed his love for the fans in Toronto and how he was embraced by them.
“Look, I’m two weeks into retirement, fresh off a World Series, happy as can be to end my career going out like that, as a champ,” Kiermaier said in his post. “Fourteen-year-pro career, a lot of ups and downs, but it was the best journey I could have ever asked for. I learned so much about myself, other people, so many things. What a journey.
“Part of that journey was my year and a half in Toronto, Let me focus my attention on the Blue Jays fans because I love you people. I love you so much. The way you treated me from the get-go, what a dream.
“What a dream to be in that situation and be viewed the way I was viewed in Toronto by you people.
“Nothing but love from you guys. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Kiermaier signed in Toronto as a free agent heading into the 2023 season after spending the first 10 seasons of his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays.
He played 211 games for the Jays over a season and a half before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and helping them win the World Series.
During his time in Toronto, the centre fielder hit .240 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs, but was much more known for his effort on defence. Kiermaier routinely made highlight-reel grabs in the outfield on the way to capturing a Gold Glove in 2023.
He addressed his hard-playing style and how he appreciated being able to win over fans.
“As a player, you just want recognition for how much you care and how much effort you put out there,” he said in the clip. “I always say I’m not the best player on the field, by any means, but it was gonna be hard to outplay me or out-care me because I did everything I had to do to win us games, no matter what and I’m so proud of that and how I played.
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“I definitely took my bumps and bruises, and a lot of wear and tear, but if I had to go back and do it again I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He closed the video by again thanking Jays fans and promising to continue working with the franchise in whatever capacity he can.
“But thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for the way you treated me and my family. What an honour, what a privilege,” he said. “I don’t want this relationship to end with the Jays, so I got a lot more to offer. I don’t know what that means just yet, but I can’t wait to be back in the Rogers Centre.
“Whatever way I can help the Blue Jays, I’m going to do it.”