HOUSTON – Houston Astros veteran player Carlos Beltran announced his retirement from baseball Monday in an article written for The Players Tribune.
In the article called “Muchas gracias, beisbol,” Beltran counted his blessings, including his 20 years in the game.
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“And I am blessed to be a champion,” Beltran wrote. “But now, my time as a player has come to an end.”
Astros manager A.J. Hinch told KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy that he is proud to have called Beltran a teammate.
"He is the best example to all those who aspire to be great," Hinch said. "Much repsect and love to him, Jessica, and their family."
Beltran's teammates, both past and present, also expressed their admiration and well wishes:
Congrats to @carlosbeltran15 on an amazing career! We only played together for a short time but what a ride we had! I learned a lot about what being a veteran means and the impact we can have. You’re an amazing teammate and leader. What a way to bow out... a World Champion!
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) November 13, 2017
Congratulations on a spectacular and storied career, @carlosbeltran15! Thank you for all you’ve done in Houston. Forever a champion. pic.twitter.com/SKz4O0Eol0
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 13, 2017
Congratulations on a remarkable career, @carlosbeltran15. 👏Enjoy retirement! pic.twitter.com/e4vbVZklN2
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) November 13, 2017
Enjoy retirement, @carlosbeltran15! Congrats on a fantastic career. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZrsKZUvHTR
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) November 13, 2017
Beltran’s announcement comes nearly two weeks after the Astros won their first World Series title.
He is a nine-time All-Star who won the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year award and three Gold Gloves.
His production dropped dramatically this year. He hit .295 with 29 homers and 93 RBIs for the New York Yankees and Texas in 2016. He then batted .231 with 14 homers and 51 RBIs for Houston.
Beltran finishes with a .279 average, 435 homers, 1,587 RBIs and 312 stolen bases. He also has played for Kansas City, the New York Mets, San Francisco and St. Louis.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.