PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., March 1 (UPI) -- Veteran second baseman Bret Boone Wednesday announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
Boone, 37, had agreed to a minor-league contract with the New York Mets and an accepted an invitation to spring training.
He batted only .221 in 88 games for Seattle and Minnesota last season. Boone, 37, said he thought he could still do the job, physically, but he said on the team's Web site his passion for the game is gone.
"Something I've loved my whole life has become a major, major job for me," Boone said. "I don't think it would be fair for me -- or fair to the Mets -- to continue something I've loved my whole life and had so much passion for, and all of a sudden that passion isn't there anymore."
Boone retires after 14 seasons with 1,775 lifetime hits, and a career batting average of .266 for the Mariners, Cincinnati, Atlanta, San Diego and the Twins. He also won four Gold Gloves.
