Garciaparra calls it quits after 14 seasons

Nomar Garciaparra, who spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, retired on Wednesday after signing a one-day contract with the Boston Red Sox so he could end his career where it began.

Garciaparra, whose wife is retired US soccer legend Mia Hamm, announced he is leaving the sport to become a television baseball commentator for ESPN.

"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement.

"While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."

Garciaparra, 36, became one of the most beloved players in Red Sox history during his nine years there. He was a six-time All-Star and won American League batting titles in 1999 and 2000 plus the Most Valuable Player award in 1997.

"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," team owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform."

In 2004, Garciaparra was traded away as part of a four-team deal that helped the Red Sox win their first World Series title in 86 years.

Over the past five seasons, Garciaparra played for Oakland, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He has a .313 career batting average with 229 home runs and 936 runs batted in.