The most successful Colombian baseball player in Major League Baseball (MLB), Edgar Renteria, on Thursday announced his retirement after a 16 year career of staggering accomplishments.
The shortstop from the Colombian city of Barranquilla made his announcement on Colombia’s RCN TV.
“I’m definitely retired from baseball and it will soon be announced in the majors…I always wanted Colombia to know before the rest of the world. This is my official retirement,” said Renteria.
“I decided to retire from baseball and try to spend all my time with my family,” explained Renteria.
Renteria’s career was filled with successes; two World Series victories in 1997 and 2010, as well as two MVP awards to go with them, as well as five All-Star Game performances.
One of his most memorable achievements was hitting the 1997 World Series game winning 11th inning walk off single in game seven for the Florida Marlins. His go-ahead three-run homer in the 7th inning to help the San Francisco Giants defeat the Texas Rangers in 2010, however, is also up there. Both achievements netted him the MVP award for both series’. He is the only Colombian to ever do so in MLB history.
More: Edgar Renteria wins World Series for San Francisco Giants
He leaves the MLB with a stat sheet that boasts 140 home-runs and 294 stolen bases. During his career he played for seven different teams.
Renteria played his final game in 2011 with the Cincinatti Reds where he posted batting records far below his averages. He did not play in the 2012 season.
More: Edgar Renteria considers retirement
“I feel proud, I feel satisfied with what I have done, my heart is telling me that it it is a good time for retirement. “[My achievements] are always going to remain in the memory of Colombians…I was was proud to give everything for Colombia.”
Sources
- Edgar Renteria is retiring from baseball (CBS Sports)
- Edgar Renteria confirmo su retiro del beisbol profesional (Radio Santa Fe)
- Edgar Renteria officially retires from baseball (Sports Illustrated)
- Edgar Renteria anuncia su retiro del beisbol (RCN)