CHICAGO, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Former two-time American League MVP Frank Thomas has retired, ending a 19-year baseball career.
"The Big Hurt," a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger award winner, compiled a .301 batting average with 521 homers and 1,704 RBI, most with the Chicago White Sox from 1990-2005.
He later played for Oakland and Toronto, but was not signed by any team last season.
"It's something I've had a lot of time to think about over 14 months," the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Thomas told Comcast Sports Net, Chicago. "In my heart I know I can still play, but … the passion is not there to play anymore."
The ex-Auburn star won the AL MVP in 1993 and '94 while with the White Sox.
He also had 2,468 hits and 1,667 walks and will be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
