A former Atlanta Braves fan favorite has formally retired his cleats.
Charlie Culberson, who was born in Rome and attended Calhoun High School, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Thursday afternoon.
“The game of baseball has been a part of my life since I was a little kid,” Culberson wrote on social media. “Growing up around the game allowed me to fall in love with the sport and dream of one day becoming a Major League Baseball player.” This was not by accident, but because of the people in my life who helped me along the road.”
Culberson was drafted by the Giants in 2007 and appeared in 11 major league seasons, making his debut with San Francisco in 2012. His final big league appearance came last July for his native Atlanta Braves, after spending time with the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers throughout his career.
“I had so many great coaches, teammates, friends, and family that helped to fuel this drive and I desired to be the best that I could be at playing baseball at the highest level,” Culberson told me. “There are too many people to name who have encouraged me during my career. Many individuals supported me and my family during this hectic yet enjoyable baseball adventure.”
Culberson, who could play all positions, spent most of his career as a valuable bench player, finishing with a.248 average, 301 hits, 30 home runs, 145 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 1,212 at-bats over 586 games.
“From long bus rides in the minor leagues to living with five guys in a small apartment, to having teammates pile in my truck to ride to the gym in the morning, these are just a few things that remind me of ‘the grind,'” stated Culberson.
Culberson appeared in 21 postseason games, including the 2017 World Series, as a Dodger.
“To all of the coaches that I had, from playing ‘behind the levee’ in Rome where I started playing baseball, through high school, the minors, and the majors, I thank you for your time and effort in pushing me to be a better baseball player,” Culberson tweeted. “I’m a better man because of it.”
Culberson had a.264 average in 3,655 plate appearances in the minors, with 68 home runs and 412 RBI, and his final appearance was with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he also pitched.
“To all my teammates through the years, thank you for pushing me and encouraging me to be a better player and a better person,” Culberson told the crowd. “I hope that I was able to influence you all in the same way.”
After attempting to reinvent himself as a bullpen pitcher this past spring, Culberson has decided to retire as the current major league season comes to an end.
Culberson also thanked his wife, Sarah, and his entire family for their time spent supporting his career, saying he felt “blessed” to wear the major 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 told me. “It was an unbelievable honor, but now it is time for the next chapter.”
Culberson is a member of both the Rome-Floyd and Calhoun-Gordon County sports halls of fame
