SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Veteran righthander Mark Gardner announced his retirement Wednesday after 12 major league seasons, including the last six with the San Francisco Giants.
The 39-year-old Gardner went 5-5 with a 5.40 ERA last season. He was limited to 23 appearances and 15 starts due to injuries and an illness to his wife.
"I'm looking forward to spending a summer at home for the first time in 16 years and spending time with my wife and kids," Gardner said. "While I'm taking this next step in my life, I will definitely look back on my playing career -- especially my time in San Francisco -- fondly."
Gardner ends his career with a 99-93 record, one save and a 4.56 ERA in 345 big league contests for the Giants, Montreal, Kansas City and Florida.
Signed as a free agent prior to the 1996 season, Gardner posted a 58-45 record with a 4.71 ERA in 175 games with the Giants. His best season was 1998, when he went 13-6 with a 4.33 ERA.
Gardner was named the co-winner, along with Benito Santiago, of the 2001 "Willie Mac Award," given to the most inspirational player on the team.
