Michael Young: ‘I’ll always be a Ranger.’

His last game was in a Dodgers uniform. Fitting, since that was the team that he always cheered for growing up, but after 13 seasons as an active player, Michael Young will always remain a Texas Ranger.

Michael Young, who announced his retirement on Thursday afternoon, played for twelve seasons in the Lone Star State before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the end of the 2012 season. Halfway through 2013, he was traded to the Dodgers. In an interview with Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Young explains the place Texas will have in his heart.

"I had a great time in Philadelphia last year and getting to play for my hometown team…But I’m a Ranger. I started as a Ranger. I grew up in front of these fans. It was my privilege to play for these fans. I know these fans and they know me. The last game I played may not have been in a Rangers uniform, but I’ll always be a Ranger. It’s a simple as that."

Speculation has already begun as to whether the Rangers will retire Michael Young’s number 10. That accolade will have to wait until at least 2015, as the Rangers’ Hall of Fame alternates between a player and non-player each year. Last year, Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez was inducted into the Hall.

Young has no plans to immediately return to the game in 2014, but did say that he could see himself back in baseball in some capacity. He said he would welcome the chance to coordinate with the Rangers when that time comes. Young makes his home in Dallas with his wife and three sons.