Former Marlins outfielder Juan Pierre announces retirement

Veteran outfielder Juan Pierre officially announced his retirement Friday.

Veteran outfielder Juan Pierre officially announced his retirement from baseball Friday on Twitter. TheMiami Herald's Clark Spencer first reported the news. 

Thanks for all the tweets keep them coming it's true today I'm officially retiring today.Blessed and grateful to have played the game I love

— Juan Pierre (@JPBeastMode) February 27, 2015

Pierre, 37, last played in 2013 with the Miami Marlins. Known for his speed and ability to make contact, Pierre hit leadoff for the Marlins during their 2003 title run and was a critical member of that team, playing center field and batting .333 in the World Series. He led the National League with 65 stolen bases that year, a feat he accomplished twice. He also led the American League in steals in 2010, with 68 as a member of the Chicago White Sox.

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Pierre also recorded three 200-hit seasons, including a career-high and league-leading 221 in 2004. He retires with a career batting average of .295 and almost as many walks (464) as strikeouts (479). He sits 18th on the all-time stolen base list with 614 in 14 major league seasons. 

The outfielder spent time with six different teams. He is one of four players in MLB history to steal at least 100 career bases with three different teams (Miami, Colorado, and the Los Angeles Dodgers).

A class act, a World Champion and the hardest worker you'll ever find. #ThankYouJP pic.twitter.com/Go4JCL4oMS

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 27, 2015

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