Buddy Bell Announces Retirement

Buddy Bell, who had more than 2,500 hits and won six Gold Glove awards during an 18-year major league career, retired Saturday.

Bell, 37, returned to the Texas Rangers as a free agent during the off-season, but his role as a utility infielder and designated hitter was limited.

Bell played in 34 games this season, hitting .183 in 82 at-bats with three runs batted in. He was on the disabled list from April 8 to 28 and underwent arthroscopic surgery April 11 to remove torn cartilage from his left knee.

Bell broke into the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians in 1972 and was traded to the Rangers before the 1979 season. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros before re-signing with the Rangers last Jan. 9.

His career batting average is .279 with 201 home runs and 1,106 RBIs.