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3 years agoToday, I officially announce my retirement as a professional baseball player. For the past 20 years, baseball took me on a journey across the world playing for the Florida Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Samsung Lions, SoftBank Hawks and Yakult Swallows. I proudly represented the Netherlands in World Baseball Classic games in Puerto Rico, South Korea, Japan and the United States.
Although my playing days have ended, my love of the game and the connections I have made will continue as I explore other opportunities to internationally promote the sport. Baseball has provided the opportunity to learn other cultures and experience so many memories and I am forever thankful.
I am grateful to my teammates, coaches and especially my family who has supported me and my dream. I look forward to spending more time with my family. I am excited to instill in my son the love of baseball that my Dad gave to me.
I thank the fans that support and love the game of baseball. I will take so many wonderful memories with me and hope that I made some good memories for others along the way.