Former Cardinals SS Furcal calls it quits after 14 years in the majors
ST. LOUIS -- Former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal announced Tuesday that he is retiring from pro ball after 14 years in the majors.
Furcal, who had signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals during spring training, played in seven games with Class A Wilmington and Double A Northwest Arkansas this season.
"To play in the major leagues for 14 seasons was a dream come true," Furcal said in a press release issued by the Royals. "I love the game, but at this point, I don't feel like I can play up to my standards anymore and want to spend more time with my beautiful family. I really appreciate the opportunity Dayton Moore and the Kansas City Royals provided me this year."
The 37-year-old spent a majority of his big-league career with Atlanta (2000-05) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-11), hitting .281 with 311 doubles, 113 homers and 1,063 runs scored. He was tabbed as an All-Star three times and won the 2000 National League Rookie of the Year award. Furcal played on 10 teams that reached the postseason, helping the Cardinals win the World Series in 2011.
Furcal finishes his career ranked 46th all-time among major league shortstops with 1,817 hits.
