MINNEAPOLIS – After 19 seasons in the majors, Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has decided to retire. The decision was confirmed by a source inside the Twins organization to KARE 11's Dave Schwartz.
"My family and I feel as though the time has come to close the door on this chapter in my life," Hunter stated later Monday evening in an Instagram post.
Hunter played 12 seasons with the Twins in two separate stints. The last of which came during the 2015 season and was statistically one of his better in recent years.
Hunter hit 22 home runs in his final year as a professional, his highest total since hitting 23 home runs in 2010 and 2011 as a member of the Anaheim Angels.
But Hunter's impact stretched beyond just statistics. He was a welcome locker room leader and a veteran that younger players were drawn to. He instituted his now famous "Torii Hunter Dance party" in which the team had celebrated after wins in elaborate fashion.
An all-around player, Hunter finishes 6th all-time in Twins history in home runs (214), 12th in RBI (792), and 14th in stolen bases (128).
