As the 2024 season wraps up, a Braves folk legend, Charlie Culberson, has officially announced his retirement from baseball.
One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and a huge fan favorite #Braves Charlie Culberson is retiring from baseball. I can’t wait to see what he does next! #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/BbIFJsnK9w
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) September 19, 2024
Despite never being much more than a replacement-level player, Charlie Culberson carved out an 11-year major-league career for himself, primarily because he was a beloved teammate and his ability to literally do it all.
Culberson spent part of four different seasons with the Braves, beginning with a career year in 2018 in which he played in 113 games and recorded a .792 OPS. It was at that time that he became known around Braves Country as Charlie Clutch, due to his late-game heroics, both at the plate and in the field.
Versatility can keep you in the game for a long time, and Culberson was a prime example of that. He played at least one game at every single position outside of catcher and centerfield. He even pitched and had a lot of success, turning heads with his mid-90s heater.
That’s exactly how his career will end as well. During the offseason, Charlie Culberson decided he’d give it one last go, but this time as a pitcher only. Given his history with the Braves, Alex Anthopoulos thought, “Why not”, inking him to a minor-league deal. However, he failed to make the team out of Spring Training and is now saying goodbye to the game for good.
It was a helluva career. Enjoy retirement, Charlie Culberson!
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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