SAN FRANCISCO -- Mike Krukow, the only San Francisco Giants pitcher to win 20 games in a season since 1973, Monday retired from baseball because of recurring shoulder problems.
Krukow, 38, spent much of last season on the disabled list.
He made one last attempt to return in the offseason, but was unhappy with his progress.
'I tried to get my shoulder back into shape this winter, but I just don't think it was meant to be,' Krukow said. 'I have no problem with this decision. I had 17 great years in organized baseball and they were an outstanding experience.'
Krukow went 4-3 with a 3.98 ERA in 1989 in an abbreviated season but remained a team leader in the clubhouse. He finishes his career with a 124-117 mark.
Since coming to San Francisco in a 1982 trade, Krukow amassed a 66-56 record including a 20-9 season in 1986. The feat marked the first time a Giants pitcher had won 20 games in a season since Ron Bryant in 1973. No Giants pitcher has done so since.
The veteranalso finished ninth on the Giants' all-time career list for wins and was sixth in career strikeouts with 802.
Krukow and his family are moving to San Luis Obispo, where he will enter private business and do some broadcasting.
