The 40-year-old second baseman paused several times to gather himself while announcing his decision during a news conference at Dodger Stadium.
"I believe I've played this game right and I believe I'm leaving this game right," he said.
Kent leaves as the career home-run leader among second basemen with 351, 74 more than Ryne Sandberg. A five-time All-Star and the 2000 NL MVP, Kent made his only World Series appearance with San Francisco in 2002, when the Giants lost to the Los Angeles Angels in seven games.
Kent's eyes watered as he watched video highlights of his career set to music. His wife, daughter and three young sons smiled while highlights of his career flashed on screens around the room.
He said retirement beckoned because he had grown tired of life on the road and from being away from his family for much of the year.
Kent had a .290 career batting average, 377 homers, 1,518 RBIs and a .500 slugging percentage. He was drafted by Toronto in 1989 and also played for the New York Mets, Cleveland, San Francisco and Houston.
"Half of my playing career I was able to get on a team and then make the playoffs and what a special feeling that is to be part of," he said. "The reasons why I was able to do such things is because of my teammates."
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, general manager Ned Colletti and much of the team's front-office staff crowded into the room to hear Kent recount his career.
No comments:
Post a Comment