Rafael Furcal Announces Retirement from Professional Baseball
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 19, 2015) - Royals infielder Rafael Furcal announced today that he is retiring from professional baseball after a distinguished 14-year career in the Major Leagues. He signed a minor league contract with the Royals during Spring Training of this year and played in seven games with Wilmington (A) and Northwest Arkansas (AA).
Furcal, 37, 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. The 2000 National League Rookie of the Year was also a three-time All-Star (2003, 2010, 2012) and played on 10 teams that reached the postseason, helping the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series in 2011. His 1,817 big league hits rank 46th all-time among Major League shortstops, while 1,063 runs are 33rd and he collected the 314 career steals rank 25th. He hit .292 in 156 games for the Braves in 2003, setting career highs in doubles (35), homers (15) and runs scored (130), helping Atlanta to 101 wins that season.
"To play in the Major Leagues for 14 seasons was a dream come true," said Furcal. "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."