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Ryan Braun's retirement from Milwaukee Brewers marred by memories of 'pee scandal'

'Today, more than 14 years after I first took the field as a Milwaukee Brewer, I’ve decided to retire, ' Rayn Braun said in a statement

The Milwaukee Brewers’ all-time leader with 352 home runs and a six-time All-Star, Ryan Braun announced retirement on Tuesday, September 14. "Today, more than 14 years after I first took the field as a Milwaukee Brewer, I’ve decided to retire. While it’s impossible to summarize my emotions, what I feel most is one, simple thing – gratitude, " Braun said in a statement. 37-year-old Braun announced his retirement in a video message released by the club.

Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio released a statement on Ryan Braun's retirement that said, "Ryan brought us many unforgettable moments on the field; from playoff-clinching, dramatic home runs to nearly 2,000 career hits, he is unquestionably one of the greatest players in Brewers history." The statement further added, "Ryan was the first player drafted after I took ownership of the Brewers, and I remember that day very well. Today, we reflect on the impact that Ryan had during his 14 seasons wearing the Brewers uniform. Ryan is our all-time franchise home run leader and one of the great clutch hitters in the game. We were fortunate to have a front-row seat for many of these moments that defined some of the organization’s greatest achievements to date. We wish Ryan, his wife, Larisa, and their family the very best, and look forward to continuing our friendship as they move into the next chapter of their lives." 

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Braun won the 2007 National League Rookie of the Year Award and the 2011 NL MVP Award before he was suspended for performance-enhancing drugs and later a return to high-level production. He played his final games in a Brewers uniform in empty stadiums during the 2020 season. Braun is fourth in franchise history having played 1,766 games and second to Robin Yount in doubles (408) and RBIs (1,154). According to reports, the team is planning a proper sendoff for Braun and his family on Sunday, September 26, prior to the team’s home regular-season finale against the Mets at American Family Field. 

'Ryan Braun never got a proper sendoff'

Fans reacted to Ryan Braun's retirement and posted tweets like, "With no fans in the stands last year, Ryan Braun never got a proper sendoff after 14 years with #Brewers. He delayed retirement announcement but now will have a day at American Family Field at last home game on Sunday, Sept. 26." Another person tweeted, "Ryan Braun officially announces his retirement after fabulous career with the #Brewers. He likely will have an open invitation to join their front office when he desires"

One tweet read, "What really chafes me about Ryan Braun is that unlike all of the other ballplayers who were nailed for PEDs, he tried to take down someone just doing his/her job — the sample collector, whom he additionally accused of antisemitism. Yeesh" Another person tweeted, "Ryan Braun broke my heart on so many levels with the pee scandal. Like I defended the dude up and down (like I personally knew him) But ultimately it still effects me as a #Brewers fan I am still sad about his retirement." One tweet read, "Ryan Braun has announced his retirement. Ryan Braun is a cheater and a liar, and worse than that he tried to ruin an innocent man's career in order to save his own lying, cheating skin. So today we celebrate as a lying, cheating snake is out of the game. #RyanBraunForever"