Vladimir Guerrero hasn’t played in the majors since 2011 when he was a member of the Baltimore Orioles, however that hasn’t stopped him from trying to get back to the big leagues over the past two years. Now after stints in the Blue Jays minor league system in 2012, and playing in independent leagues this past year, Guerrero is finally willing to give up his dream of hitting 500 career home runs, announcing his retirement from baseball.
In 2011 with the Orioles, the then 36-year-old Guerrero hit .290/.317/.416 in 590 plate appearances in what was his worst season as a regular to that point in his career.
Hector Gomez of Dominican outlet Listin Diario recently reported (Spanish-language link). “I decided to announce my retirement due to my desire to spend more time with my family,” said Guerrero (in Spanish), “as well as because of the two operations that I’ve had on my right knee.”
On his chase for 500 home runs, Guerrero said, “Lamentably, I couldn’t do it. That was one of my principal goals.”
Guerrero will go down as one of the best players in Montreal Expos history and one of the best bad-ball hitters in MLB history. He was also a long-time Anaheim Angel. In his prime Guerrero was a true five-tool player, hitting for power and average, having speed on the basepaths, and having both a strong arm, and excellent range in the outfield. He should be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in future years.
Over an remarkable 16-year MLB Career, Guerrero has career slash line of .318/.379/.553 over 9,059 plate appearances. He finishes with 2590 career hits, 449 career home runs, 1496 career RBIs, and 181 career stolen bases. He was voted the American League MVP in 2004, and finished amongst the top five three other times and was a 9-time all-star.
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