Minnnesota Twins Outfielder Torii Hunter Announces Retirement

After nearly two decades in Major League Baseball, fan favorite Torii Hunter has decided to retire. The Star Tribune reports Hunter had contemplated retirement the past two offseasons, but entered the 2015 season thinkng of it as his last. He told the Star Tribune he didn't make his plans publicly known because “I didn’t want a going-away tour,” continuing by saying “I didn’t want to be a distraction.”

Hunter ended his career just shy of another playoff appearance with the team that drafted him out of high school back in 1993. Making his first appearance in the majors in 1997, Hunter went on to make five All-Star Game appearaces and collected nine Gold Glove Awards, as well as two Silver Slugger Awards.

Hunter played for the Twins from his MLB debut in 1997 through 2007, when he went on to play for the Angels. After playing in California from 2008 to 2012, he moved on to Detroit, where he played for the Tigers for two seasons. In December of 2014, it was announced that Torii would make a homecoming of sorts, locking down a one-year deal with the Twins.

Hunter told the Star Tribune he doesn't plan on holding a formal press event as part of the announcement of his retirement. Looking to fly under the radar, as he did all season with his plans to hang it up after the season was over, family time will be a priority moving forward. He said he plans to watch his sons play football and enjoy some time off while he coniders his next venture. He told the Tribune some possibilities for the future could include television commentary, coaching or pursuing some business interests.

Whatever you do, good luck to you Torii!