Big Saturday: Jonathan Lucroy to officially retire a Brewer, be inducted to Wall of Honor
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Jonathan Lucroy, one of the best catchers in Milwaukee Brewers history, will officially call it quits on Saturday.
And he’ll do so as a member of the team that drafted and helped develop him into an all-star.
The Brewers announced Tuesday that Lucroy will retire as a Brewer as part of the team’s Wall of Honor ceremony at American Family Field. Also being inducted that day will be Ryan Braun, with 2021 inductee Francisco Rodriguez also on hand and recognized.
In addition, Prince Fielder will become the 21st player to be enshrined in the Brewers’ Walk of Fame.
More: After playing his entire 14-year career with the Brewers, Ryan Braun announces his retirement
“I am honored to retire a Milwaukee Brewer and be inducted into the Wall of Honor, amongst so many of the greats in this franchise,” Lucroy said. “The Brewers and the City of Milwaukee have always held a special place in my heart, I feel at ease and at home here. The fans have always embraced me and lifted me up.
“It is a special experience to play in Milwaukee and I want to thank the fans, the front office and the baseball staff for making my time in Milwaukee so memorable.”
A third-round draft pick out of Louisiana-Lafayette in 2007, Lucroy became Milwaukee’s every-day catcher in 2011.
He spent seven seasons with the club before being traded to Texas in 2016, developing into an all-star in 2014 and 2016. Lucroy’s 53 doubles led the majors and also set a new standard for catchers in 2014.
Lucroy’s bat and strong defensive skills helped set the stage for a fifth-place finish in the balloting for the National League’s most valuable player award that season, making him the first catcher in franchise history to finish in the top 10.
He ranks first in franchise history as a catcher in hits (752), batting average (.288), doubles (143), home runs (77), runs batted in (358) and runs (326).
Lucroy also ranks second in games caught.
The Brewers Wall of Honor is a distinction awarded to players, coaches and executives who meet a set of criteria based on service to the organization and career accomplishments.
The Brewers Wall of Honor is a permanent display outside of American Family Field on the north side of the ballpark adjacent to the Hot Corner entrance. Honorees have a plaque with their photo accompanied by a synopsis of their career.
Lucroy will join the permanent exhibit with a bronze plaque affixed to the exterior of the ballpark commemorating his accomplishments.
Lucroy, Braun, Rodriguez and Fielder all will throw out ceremonial first pitches prior to that night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, at approximately 5:50 p.m.
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On Friday, the Brewers will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1982 American League Championship a pre-game parade of players on the warning track and ceremony to follow.
Beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m., the field ceremony will also feature remarks by Major League Baseball Commissioner Emeritus and former team owner Bud Selig, Bob Uecker and team principal owner Mark Attanasio and will be moderated by broadcaster Brian Anderson.
Ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Hall of Famers Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Ted Simmons and Rollie Fingers.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jonathan Lucroy to officially retire as a Milwaukee Brewer
