GRANDERSON’S GRAND MLB EXIT

Former t.f. south, uic standout granderson retires after 16 seasons

Curtis Granderson, the former Thornton Fractional South and UIC star, announces his retirement after 16-year career in majors.

MIAMI — Three-time All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson announced his retirement Friday after 16 seasons in the major leagues.

Granderson, a native of south suburban Blue Island who attended T.F. South High School and UIC, played for seven big-league teams. He was an All-Star for the Tigers in 2009 and for the Yankees in 2011 and 2012.

In 2011, Granderson led the majors with 136 runs scored and led the American League with 119 RBI. He also hit 41 home runs and finished fourth in balloting for AL most valuable player.

In 2007 with the Tigers, he became only the third player in major-league history to finish with at least 30 doubles, 20 triples, 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season.

Last season, Granderson batted .183 in 138 games for the Marlins. He also played for the Blue Jays, Brewers, Dodgers and Mets, totaling 344 homers and 937 RBI.

Granderson, who long has been active in community work, said he’ll continue to bring baseball to in-need youngsters.

‘‘As I reflect on my career, I realize that not much has changed since those early days in Little League,’’ Granderson, 38, said in a statement. ‘‘My parents and family are still my greatest fans, and they impart the same message today that they did back then: Give back, never forget to enjoy the ride, and don’t think; have fun.’’ ✶

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JOHN BAZEMORE/AP Outfielder Curtis Granderson (shown with the Mets in 2016) hit 20 or more home runs 10 times in his 16-season major-league career.

SUN-TIMES Granderson (playing for the Yankees at the time) was the guest of honor at an assembly at T.F. South in 2011, when his high school jersey and number were retired.