Alex Gordon era in Kansas City comes to a close

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sunday was not only the end of the Kansas City Royals' 60-game, regular-season sprint, but the end of an era at Kauffman Stadium, as Alex Gordon’s final game with the Royals ended in a win.

The left fielder announced his retirement Thursday after 14 years with the Club. The Gold Glove winner chose to end his career with the same club it all began with in 2007.

The All-Star had considered retirement last season, when longtime manager Ned Yost decided to step away. Instead, Gordon returned on a one-year deal -- worth $4 million -- under new Manager Mike Matheny in order to finish another year alongside his teammates.

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The former Nebraska cornhusker was the No. 2 overall draft pick for the Royals in 2005. Since then, the outfielder has racked up numerous accolades. The three-time All-Star has won seven Gold Gloves. He also helped lead the Royals to their 2015 World Series win, coming up big with the game-tying home run in the ninth inning during Game 1.

The 36-year-old ended his final season with 190 career home runs and 1,643 hits running in from left field ahead of the second inning. His final at bat, a strike out... fitting if you ask Gordo.

Matheny pulled the left fielder ahead of the second inning, saying only out of fear of the weather coming along and taking away from honoring the vet. Matheny also worried Gordon might swing too hard and hurt himself. The first-year Royal's manager didn't want to send Gordo off with an anticlimactic leave.

On the way into the dugout, Gordo hugged his teammates while receiving a standing ovation from both the Royals dugout and the Tigers. The only thing missing Sunday were the fans, but at least the All-Star had his family in attendance. A special time to share with his loved ones.

That’s a wrap for No. 4.