Major League Baseball

Omar Vizquel to retire after season

Published Jun. 26, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Omar Vizquel said Tuesday his majestic 24-year career will be coming to an end at the conclusion of this season.

The 45-year-old began his career with the Mariners and went on to have stints at the Indians, Giants, Rangers and White Sox, before joining the Blue Jays this season.

He appeared in two World Series with the Indians, in 1995 and 1997, but lost on both occasions.

"This will be my last year," Vizquel said in Spanish to NESN.com. "I've enjoyed this game a lot, but I think it's time to pursue a new career as a coach or manager, and hopefully I'll get that opportunity in the future."

The Venezuelan native is recognized as one of the best ever defensive shortstops, earning 11 Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections.

He is also the oldest position player in Major League Baseball presently.

"I want to be remembered as a ballplayer that always enjoyed the game and always played with a smile on his face even though every moment wasn't great," Vizquel said.

"There were tough times. But I think the best honor you can say about a person is that he's enjoying the game."

Vizquel said he plans to head back to Venezuela to coach one of the country's winter ball teams once his season with the Blue Jays is over.

Before Tuesday's game, Vizquel had 2,854 career hits with 946 RBI.

Read more: http://www.nesn.com/2012/06/omar-vizquel-confirms-plan-to-retire-after-2012-season-hopes-to-become-coach-or-manager.html

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