“It was one of the best things that ever happened to my career, getting a chance to put on this uniform that so many great players have worn throughout the years and be on some teams that have done some historic things,” Turner said before the game. “It’s really something that I feel honored to be a part of.”
He’s now 39 years old and playing first base for the Seattle Mariners, who opened a three-game series against the NL West leaders.
His wife, Kourtney, and red-haired son Bo, born on July 4, joined him behind home plate for a pregame ceremony. They watched video of his career highlights as a Dodger before the team presented Turner with a $10,000 check for his foundation as well as three framed photos of him in action.
With Turner’s walk-up music “Turn Down for What” blaring, he shared hugs with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Joe Kelly, among others.
“What’s up, LA?” Turner said as the crowd stood and applauded. “I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you guys so much for nine of the most incredible years of my life. You guys made this one of the most special times and I can’t say thank you enough.”
Turner and his wife, married in 2017 by former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser, were high-profile civic contributors in Los Angeles, using their foundation to help homeless veterans, sick children and youth baseball organizations.
From the dugout, Turner would always shake hands with the military hero of the game who was introduced between innings and hand the person an autographed baseball.
During his time in L.A., Dodgers fans donned fake red beards in tribute to Turner.
“In my nine years here I don’t think there’s been a bigger fan favorite,” Roberts said. “Fans just really identified with him.”
After the 2013 season, Turner was non-tendered by the New York Mets and became a free agent. Shortly before spring training the next year, he found a new home in Los Angeles.
He initially failed his physical with the Dodgers and his guaranteed contract turned into an invitation to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Turner, a Long Beach native, walked into the clubhouse his first day and saw Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Kenley Jansen, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramírez.
“It was kind of a pinch-me moment, like do I belong in this room with all these people?” he recalled.
