Major League Baseball

Former MVP Jason Giambi announces retirement from baseball

Published Feb. 16, 2015 2:21 p.m. ET

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Jason Giambi announced his retirement from baseball after a 20-year major-league career on Monday.

Giambi, 44, spent eight of those years with the A's, seven with the Yankees, and another six with the Rockies and Indians. The first baseman and designated hitter won the American League MVP award in 2000 with the A's, kicking off five-straight All-Star selections from '00 to '04. 

Over 2,260 games, Giambi swatted 440 home runs, knocked in 1441 RBI, and batted a cool .277 with a .399 OBP.

Here's his statement to the Daily News:

"After 20 seasons, I have decided to officially announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player.

"I really want to thank my wife, Kristian, for going on this journey with me. She's always been my rock. She's always been there for me with support and love, and I really couldn't have done this without her. She's been everything to me and I don't think I can state in words how much she's meant to me. I love you and thank you.

"To my two gifts from heaven, London and Tristan, Daddy's coming home.

"I want to thank my dad, John, for teaching me this beautiful game and for all the hitting we did on the weekends. I want to thank my mom, Jeanne, for all the practices she took me to and for being the loudest voice in the stands. To my brother Jeremy, playing on the same team as him were two of my favorite years of my career. To my sister Julie, you were always there supporting me and loving me, and my niece, Jenna, who has always been there to support me. I love you.

"I also want to thank Arn and Nancy Tellem for always treating me like I was a part of their family. I love you guys so much and thank you. Also Joel Wolfe and Erin Estrada for all the support and love they gave me over my career, I love you guys.

"So many other people played a huge part in my career, so I also want to thank Ron Simms, Bobby Alejo, Tommy Bolin, Mark Phillipi, Marsha Utain and Barbara Reeder. I also want to thank Nike, Reebok, Oakley Sunglasses and Louisville Slugger for supplying me the tools of the trade all these years.

"Ever since I was five years old, all I ever wanted to be was a Major League Baseball player. The Oakland A's, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians were a big part of helping that dream come true.

"To the managers, coaches and players, it's been a tremendous honor sharing the field with you and thank you very much. 

"To the writers, local and national, and to the broadcasters, I want to express my appreciation to the media for covering the game we all love. 

"I want to thank the fans for being a part of this incredible journey. I especially want to thank the fans that gave me a second chance to let me show you the human being you see today.

"Lastly, to the game of baseball: I started playing you when I was a kid and I'm leaving you a man. Thank you."

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