Major League Baseball

Longtime Indians player Blake to retire

Published May. 8, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Veteran infielder Casey Blake said Tuesday he has officially decided to retire after 13 seasons in the major leagues.

Blake told the Des Moines (Iowa) Register that he had been leaning toward stepping away for some time.

"My wife [Abbie] has been telling people I'm retired, but I've kind of been giving her a look," the 38-year-old said.

"But I think I knew in my heart that I am [retiring], but I just haven't announced it."

Blake began spring training with the Colorado Rockies this season but was released March 27. He said the Texas Rangers then showed interest in signing him, but his "heart wasn't in it."

"I was flattered that somebody still wanted me, but I wasn't as excited as I needed to be about playing again," Blake said. "... so I'm done, and I'm OK with it."

A seventh-round pick in 1996, Blake played for the Blue Jays, Twins, Orioles, Indians and Dodgers.

He spent the majority of his career in Cleveland, hitting .266 over six seasons.

Blake hit .264 for his career, with 167 home runs.

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