This is really no surprise. It is now being reported that Jerry Hairston Jr. will retire from the game after 16 Big League seasons and 1 World Championship with the 2009 Yankees. In his career he was known for his versatility on the field and his clubhouse personality. In fact, it is those latter skills, his "gift of gab", that will propel him towards a new future.
Reporter Bruce Levine out of Chicago tweeted this morning that Hairston will join the Dodgers in a new capacity.
Congrats to Jerry Hairston on new deal as pre and post game analyst on the Dodgers TV games. 14 years and a ring is a pretty good career.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 11, 2013
Anyone who has watched Hairston perform on video knows this is a perfect role for him. No one in the Dodger clubhouse was more comfortable with a mic, and no one relished the opportunity to be in front of the camera more then him. I wouldn't be surprised if he excelled in his new profession, and I suspect we'll be seeing a new Dodger-centric show hosted by him in the near future.
Congrats, Jerry!
In celebration, I made the above fantasy Baseball card of him using the 1987 Topps card design and a photo taken by Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2013.
This new hire helps solidify an already vastly improved Dodgers broadcast crew. Hairston will join new hires Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra in the booth.
I also decided to track down a couple of his more notable videos to give you a glimpse of what he will bring to Dodger TV. First, Hairston tell us everything we need to know about him in this MLB Minute.
Video Link:
Jerry interviews Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes before their game at Dodger Stadium.
Video Link:
This one cracks me up. Magician Jason Latimer shows Jerry Hairston Jr. and Juan Uribe a new hidden-ball trick.
Video Link:
Also, below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference:
UPDATE: Here's an official message from Hairston on twitter:
After 16 seasons decided retiring is my best opportunity. Game will not miss me but I will miss it and teammates immensely! #NextChapter
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@Therealjhair) December 11, 2013
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