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Angels 1B Wally Joyner announces retirement
Posted: Sat Jun 16 18:14:40 2001 EST
*Angels 1B Wally Joyner announces retirement* ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Wally Joyner celebrated his 39th birthday Saturday by announcing his retirement. The Anaheim Angels first baseman ended his 16-year career after informing general manager Bill Stoneman of his decision late Friday. Signed to a minor league contract before spring training, Joyner hit .243 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 53 games in a backup role. "I've thought long and hard what it means to contribute to a team, regardless of the role you might have," Joyner said. "I've reached that point in my career when it's time to be honest with myself about performances and ultimately allow someone else the opportunity to enjoy what I have for 16 seasons." Joyner, who spent last season with the Atlanta Braves, ends his career with a .289 average, 204 homers and 1,106 RBI. He became a cult hero for the Angels in 1986, earning a berth on the All-Star team as a rookie. The ballpark in Anaheim became known as "Wally World" and Joyner avoided the sophomore jinx by hitting 34 homers and driving in 117 runs in 1987. "I said at the start of spring that it was my deepest desire to finish my career in an Angels' uniform," Joyner said. Joyner spent his first six years with Anaheim before moving on to Kansas City and San Diego for four seasons. The Georgia native ranks among the Angels' top 10 in total bases, extra-base hits, doubles, RBI, batting average, runs, hits, homers and walks. Infielder Larry Barnes was recalled from Class AAA Salt Lake to fill Joyner's roster spot.
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