Manny Ramirez Retires

By Justin Worsley,

One of the most feared slugger in Major League Baseball, Manny Ramirez, suddenly announced his retirement on Friday, ending his 20-year career.

Ramirez, 38, was informed by the MLB that he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training and would face a 100-game suspension by the league. Instead of taking the punishment, Ramirez instead decided to hang it up.

In 2009, Ramirez violated the same policy and served a 50-game ban while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB rules require second-time offenders to serve a 100-game sentence.

Ramirez signed with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason in a move that reunited him with former teammate Johnny Damon. In five games with the Rays, Ramirez only had one hit, an RBI single against the Orioles on April 2, in 17 at bats.

Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards in his career, including eight straight between 1999-2006 and is a 12-time All-Star, including 11 straight nominations between 1998-2008.

In 2004, Ramirez helped the Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since 1918. For his efforts, Ramirez was named the World Series MVP.

Ramirez ranks 14th all time with 555 home runs. In his career, Ramirez has a .312 batting average and 1,831 RBIs. His 547 doubles also rank 24th all time.