Royals minor-leaguer Rafael Furcal, former NL top rookie, announces retirement
Veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal, who played seven games in the Royals’ minor-league system this year, announced Tuesday that he’s retiring from the game.
Furcal spent the majority of his career with the Braves (2000-05) and Dodgers (2006-11). He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2000, a three-time NL All-Star and played on 10 teams that reached the postseason. He was with the Cardinals in 2011 when they won the World Series.
Furcal, 37, signed a minor-league contract with the Royals during spring training and saw action with Class A Wilmington and Class AA Northwest Arkansas.
“I love the game but at this point I don’t feel like I can play up to my standards anymore and want to spend the time with my beautiful family,” Furcal said in a statement. “I really appreciate the opportunity Dayton Moore and the Kansas City Royals provided me this year.”
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This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Royals minor-leaguer Rafael Furcal, former NL top rookie, announces retirement."