Merrifield and Gordon have grown close while sharing the outfield and having lockers next to each other's. "I think I've cried at least five times already today because you've got a buddy that is a part of your family that is moving on." "I think of all of us, in our selfish ways, are all sad today," Merrifield said. Merrifield said that although he is happy that Gordon will get more time with his family, it's hard to see him go. But at the same time, I'm excited to be around my family, be around my kids and just catch up on things I've missed my whole life." "It's kind of bittersweet because this is hard for me to do. "At the end of the day, I'm missing my kids in their activities more than I'm going to miss ," he said.
He wants to spend more time with his kids, especially now that his two older sons, ages 10 and seven, are starting to play sports. The 36-year-old’s future will now include learning golf so he can challenge his former teammates, cheating on his strict diet, and most importantly, spending time with his wife and three children.įrom late March until early October, Gordon was away from his wife and three young children while traveling.
The two embraced in the outfield before Gordon hugged the rest of his teammates and exited the field to a standing ovation from the Royals and Tigers' dugouts.
After 14 years with the Kansas City Royals, Alex Gordon played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.ĭuring the second inning, Gordon gave up his spot in left field to his good friend and fellow outfielder Whit Merrifield.