RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesPHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: The Philadelphia Phillies logo is seen on their on deck circle during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on April 27, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cubs won 5-1. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images)
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The careers of major league veterans often come to quiet conclusions, following demotions to the minors or extended stints in free agency before those former players decide it is time to hang up their spikes for good.
But occasionally, some long-time players earn the opportunity to celebrate the ends of their careers with the fans who cheered them on. For those who spent years building a franchise's identity, retirement can become as much about honoring relationships as statistics.
That will soon be the case for former Philadelphia Phillies infielder Josh Harrison, whose 16-year major league career included stops with eight organizations and ultimately ended with the Phillies in 2023.
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While Phillies fans will remember Harrison as a key utility option during a season that ended in the National League Championship series, the two-time All-Star will be returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played for eight seasons, for his official retirement ceremony.
“That will occur Friday, Aug. 7, when Harrison will officially retire as a member of the Pirates,” Jason Mackey reported for MLB.com . “There will be a press conference that day, and Harrison will watch batting practice. On Saturday, Aug. 8, the Pirates will honor Harrison with a commemorative T-shirt giveaway for the first 20,000 fans. There will also be an on-field ceremony, and Harrison will throw out the first pitch.”
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After Harrison was released from the Phillies, he signed minor league deals with the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds, but will be returning to the Pirates on a one-day contract so that he can officially retire with the team.
“(Owner) Bob (Nutting) said the Pirates wanted to bring me and my family back and have me retire as a Pirate,” Harrison told Mackey. “I was excited.”
Harrison debuted with the Pirates in 2011 and developed into one of the National League's most versatile players. His ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions, combined with his energetic style of play, helped make him a fan favorite during a successful stretch for the Pirates.
When the Phillies signed him just after a trip to the World Series, he had already made quick stops with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox, but he appeared to be a valuable veteran addition for the bench.
“An NL All-Star in 2014 and 2017 with Pittsburgh, Harrison is a career .272 hitter in 12 years,” WHYY reported at the time. “The NL champion Phillies will be Harrison’s sixth team in six seasons. He previously played for the Pirates, Detroit, Washington, Oakland and the White Sox.”
Although his stint in Philadelphia lasted only one season, Harrison's reputation as a respected veteran made him a valuable clubhouse presence for a team with championship aspirations.
Now, after spending parts of 16 seasons in the majors, earning two All-Star selections and appearing in more than 1,200 games, Harrison will officially close the book on his playing career where it all came together — with the Phillies’ in-state rival Pirates.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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