Rafael Furcal, who spent 14 seasons playing for four Major League Baseball teams, has decided to retire at the age of 37.
The Kansas City Royals, who signed the former All-Star shortstop in the offseason, announced the decision Tuesday on Twitter:
Furcal last played in the big leagues with the Miami Marlins during the 2014 season. He appeared in nine June games, hitting .171/.216/.229 in what would be his last hurrah. The veteran infielder did play in seven minor league games for Kansas City this season, ending his career with an 0-for-2 outing for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweeted out the solid career slash line for Furcal:
During his prime with the Atlanta Braves from 2000-05, Furcal was one of the most dynamic shortstops in baseball. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2000 and made his first All-Star team in 2003.
Injuries often plagued Furcal, even in his early years, as he only played in 79 games during the 2001 season. After leaving Atlanta following the '05 season, he only played more than 100 games three times in eight years, including missing the entire 2013 season.
Furcal had a terrific career that will always be haunted by the "what if" question had he been able to stay healthy. It speaks to his natural ability that he was still able to play in three All-Star games and post a solid .346 on-base percentage at a position where the offensive barrier isn't very high.
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