Lance Berkman to retire

Berkman has decided to call it a career.

Outfielder and first baseman Lance Berkman has confirmed that he will not be returning to the Major Leagues in 2014, and that he will be retiring, reports Richard Justice of MLB.com. 

In 2013, the soon to be 38-year-old hit .242/.340/.359 with 6 home runs and 34 RBI in 73 games with the Texas Rangers. Over Berkman's 15 year career, he has hit .293/.406/.537 with 366 home runs and 1,234 RBI. The Texas native was originally drafted by the Houston Astros with the 16th overall pick in the 1997 draft. He spent 12 seasons with the Astros, before heading to the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers for his final three years.

Berkman's last home run came against Athletics' pitcher Tommy Malone and his final hit came off of Felix Hernandez. He ended his career on an eight game no-hit streak. 

Despite Berkman's excellent power (career .243 isolated power), he walked quite a bit (15.4 BB%). Like most power hitting players, Berkman struck out often (16.6 K%), but ended up having a fantastic career (55.8 career WAR). Many fans will be sad to see Lance Berkman go into retirement.

---