Vladimir Guerrero, 38, perhaps the greatest player ever to don a Montreal Expos uniform, has announced his retirement.
Guerrero told a radio station in the Dominican Republic Saturday that he took the decision because he never fully recovered from two operations to his right knee. He said he also wants to spend more time with his family, which includes 14-year-old baseball hopeful Vladimir Jr.
Guerrero, who signed with the Expos 20 years ago as an amateur free agent, spent parts of eight season in Montreal, eventually becoming the team’s all-time leader in a variety of offensive categories.
Vladi, as he was affectionately known, was the Expos player of the year for 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002 and eventually became the team’s all time career leader in Batting Average (.323), Home Runs (234), and Slugging (.588).
Guerrero was such a star that he eclipsed the top hockey players in a city enthralled by hockey and yet he lived humbly with his mother at an apartment on Lincoln near Guy, often taking the metro to the stadium alongside his brother Wilton, who also played for the Expos.
Guerrero was a nine-time All Star who finished his career with a .318 average and 449 home runs.
He attempted to prolong his career and even played with the Licey Tigers of the Dominican league briefly before quitting in November 2012.
He also played six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and one season each with Texas and Baltimore.
The nine-time All Star said in a interview Saturday with Z101.3 FM that his only real regret is not reaching the 500 home run mark.
Once he signs his official retirement papers, Guerrero will be eligible for consideration in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and would likely wear an Expos uniform if he were to be inducted, as he played with the team more than any other.
