Alfonso Soriano retires

[Austin]

ESPN -- SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Seven-time All-Star Alfonso Soriano says he is retiring from the major leagues after a season in which he was released by the New York Yankees in July.

"I've lost the love and passion to play the game," Soriano said in a radio interview Tuesday in his native Dominican Republic. "Right now, my family is the most important thing."

Soriano, 38, completed in 2014 the final year of his $136 million, eight-year contract he signed with the Chicago Cubs before the 2007 season.

He ends his career 50th in baseball history with 412 home runs.

"Although I consider myself in great shape, my mind is not focused on baseball," Soriano said.

Soriano was released by the Yankees after playing just 67 games. He was hitting .221 with six home runs and 23 RBIs.

 

[WCTYSON]

One of only 4 players in MLB history to be in the 40-40 club.

 

[MansGame]

One of only 4 players in MLB history to be in the 40-40 club.

And none are or will be in the HOF.

 

[Austin]

One of only 4 players in MLB history to be in the 40-40 club.

And Soriano is the only one not linked to steroids.
Too bad he couldn't keep up the stats of his early Yankee years, because he looked like a Hall of Famer for his first decade or so. Moving to the outfield hurt his chances too.

 

[dstrawberryfan39]

Always a fan of him he was a class act imo!! Best of luck to him!

 

[rsmath]

I'm only going to miss Soriano because it seemed like he used a bat that was way too big for his body!

 

[gracecollector]

"I've lost the love and passion to play the game," Soriano said in 2006, immediately after signing his 8-year contract to play with the Chicago Cubs. "Right now, my family is the most important thing."

^^^ Fixed the above quote for accuracy.

 

[MansGame]

Hahaha

 

[joey12508]

was a big fan when he was a yankee, hated to see him go in the Arod trade.

 

[Super Mario]

I too was a huge fan of him in NYC.

When he went to the Cubs it seemed like he just didn't care anymore.