LaRue retires after concussion from brawl

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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- St. Louis Cardinals catcher Jason LaRue says he is retiring from the game after receiving a concussion during an August brawl with the Cincinnati Reds.

LaRue was kicked in the face by Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto during the vicious scrum at Great American Ball Park and suffered a severe concussion. He told Sunday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch the lingering symptoms from the blow prompted his decision to retire from the game after 11 years.

"I'm done," he told the newspaper. "It's a simple decision."

The Cards' backup catcher, 36, said the trauma to his brain had left him unable to drive or even to cook for himself. The symptoms, which include sensations similar to seasickness, have subsided a bit but strenuous activity is still off-limits.

"I was going to retire on my own terms," LaRue told the Post-Dispatch. "It's unfortunate that the blow that decided it came from someone kicking me in the head with spikes."