Former Braves, Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal announces retirement

Two time all-star shortstop Rafael Furcal announced his retirement Tuesday

Three-time all-star shortstop Rafael Furcal announced his retirement Tuesday, according to the Kansas City Royals, with whom he signed a minor league contract during Spring Training.

The shortstop accumulated 1,817 hits and 314 stolen bases over 14 seasons for four teams.

This year, Furcal was playing for the Wilimington Blue Rocks and Northwest Arkansas Naturals in the Royals' system.

He last played in the major leagues during a brief stint with the Miami Marlins in June 2014, during which he batted .171.

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Furcal won National League Rookie of the Year in 2000 and reached all-star games for three different teams, in 2003, 2010 and 2012.

Furcal spent his first six major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 2006. He played five and a half seasons in Los Angeles before being traded to St. Louis, where he helped the Cardinals the 2011 World Series. 

In 2003 while playing for the Braves, Furcal turned the 12th unassisted triple play in Major-League history. The feat has now been accomplished 15 times.

- Alex Putterman