Guerrero announces retirement

The Sports Xchange

Vladimir Guerrero told Spanish language publication Listin Diario on Saturday that he is retiring from baseball after a 16-year major league career.

Guerrero last played in the majors on Sept. 28, 2011 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. He also played for the Montreal Expos (1996-2003), Anaheim and Los Angeles Angels (2004-09) and Texas Rangers (2010).

For the past two seasons, Guerrero tried out for teams and played in an independent league in hopes of making it back to the majors and gunning for 500 home runs.

"I decided to announce my retirement due to my desire to spend more time with my family, as well as because of the two operations that I've had on my right knee," he said.

Guerrero had a career batting line of .318/.379/.553 with 449 home runs, 1,496 RBI, 1,328 runs, 477 doubles and 181 stolen bases.

A nine-time All-Star, Guerrero won the American League MVP in 2004 with the Angels.

Guerrero will join Ivan Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Jorge Posada as first-timers on the 2017 Hall of Fame ballot.