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Manny Ramirez retires after MLB notifies him of drug-policy issue
Manny Ramirez has announced his retirement after being notified by Major League Baseball of an issue relating to the sport's drug policy.
Ramirez, who was in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rays, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in spring training, according to Michael Schmidt of the New York Times, citing two people briefed on the matter. Ramirez was suspended for 50 games in 2009 for violating the drug policy and a second infraction would have resulted in a 100-game ban.
"Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player," a statement from MLB said. "If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
Ramirez, 38, who was 1-for-17 with the Rays this season, finishes his 19-year career with 555 home runs, 1,831 RBI and a .312 average. A 12-time All-Star, he's one of 25 players with more than 500 home runs and his 21 grand slams had him tied Alex Rodriguez for the most among active players.
"We are obviously surprised and disappointed by the news," the Rays said in a statement. "We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organization will carry on."
Ramirez was the 13th pick by Cleveland in the 1991 draft and debuted with the Indians in 1993. He hit a career-high 45 homers in 1998 and drove in a franchise-record 165 runs with 44 homers in 1999.
He played in the 1995 and 1997 World Series with the Indians, but left his mark after signing a $160 million deal to join the Red Sox in December 2000. He helped Boston win the 2004 World Series, leading the AL with 43 homers and a .613 slugging percentage after Boston put him on irrevocable waivers in 2003, leaving him available to any team willing to pick up the remainder of his contract.
There were no takers and the Red Sox found no suitable offers when Ramirez demanded to be traded in 2005. As Ramirez's production diminished, incidents of erratic behavior increased.
He and Kevin Youkilis engaged in a dugout altercation in 2008. Later in the season, Ramirez was accused of an altercation with traveling secretary Jack McCormick. Ramirez declared himself unable to play due to knee problems.
Boston eventually traded him to the Dodgers in a three-way deal that netted Jason Bay on July 31, 2008. Ramirez went on to become NL Player of the Month in August, hitting .415 and aiding the Dodgers' drive to the playoffs.
Then came 2009 and his drug-related suspension. He picked up his 2,500th career hit early in 2010 but went to the disabled list three times and was eventually claimed on waivers by the White Sox for their stretch run.
He signed a one-year, $2 million deal with Tampa Bay on Jan. 21, 2011.
Source: USA Today
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