Bobby Abreu retires after 18 seasons

Bobby Abreu officially put an end to his major league career on Friday, by announcing his retirement after 18 seasons. 

Abreu made is major league debut in 1996 as a 22-year-old with the Houston Astros and would go on to play 2,423 games with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers before wrapping up his career with the New York Mets.

The 40-year-old outfielder leaves the game with a career line of .291/.395/.475 to go with 288 home runs and 1,363 RBI. Abreu is also a two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner. 

Abreu took the 2013 season off to to personal matters in his native Venezuela, but made a return to the big leagues prior to this season by accepting a minor league invitation from the Phillies. Released prior to the season, "El Comedulce", as he is affectionately known to teammates, agreed to a minor league deal with the Mets. In 76 games in New York, Abreu hit .246/.338/.338 with one home run and 14 RBI.