Garret Anderson announces retirement

[March 02, 2011]  TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Garret Anderson is retiring after 17 seasons in baseball, almost all of them with the Angels.

The 38-year-old left fielder says he has no regrets and hasn't ruled out a coaching career.

"It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from baseball," Anderson said Tuesday in an Angels' news release. "It was truly a privilege to play this wonderful game and for that I want to thank several individuals."

Anderson thanked owners the Autry family, Disney, and Mr. and Mrs. Arte Moreno along with "all the managers and coaches, both in the minor and big leagues, and players that had a hand in my success."

Anderson said he had offers from teams this spring, but would have had to sign a minor league contract.

"I could never be in a position hoping a player gets hurt," Anderson said.

Anderson's first big league season was in 1994. Along the way he had more than 2,500 hits, a career batting average of .293, 287 homers and won a World Series title in 2002.

He spent the first 15 years of his career with the Angels, before playing for Atlanta in 2009 and the Dodgers last season.

Anderson was an All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

"Garret was an incredible player, one with a calm demeanor and quiet confidence that allowed him to excel in this game," Angels manger Mike Scioscia said. "He had a tremendous passion to play this game and a deep understanding of how to play to win and that was very important to this organization."

[Associated Press]

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