MLB PLAYER NEWS

Willingham retires on ‘my terms’

The Sports Xchange

November 24, 2014 at 12:01 pm.

 

Josh Willingham is hanging up the spikes. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

After 11 seasons, outfielder Josh Willingham told ESPN on Monday that he is retiring.

The 35-year-old hit .253 with 195 home runs during a career that included stops with the Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.

His best season came in 2012, when he hit 35 homers, drove in 110 runs and won a Silver Slugger Award with the Twins.

“After praying on my decision many times and talking to my wife, my father and ex-players who have gone through the same process toward the end of their careers, I have decided to retire,” Willingham said.

“I felt like it wouldn’t be fair to myself, and more importantly to the team that was paying me a lot of money to perform at a high level, if there was a chance my dedication would waver — particularly as the season got longer. I’m honored to have played for as many years as I have, and I feel even luckier to walk away on my own terms instead of having the decision made for me.”

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