Source: Winfield to Announce Retirement After 23 Seasons

Dave Winfield, the major league leader in hits and runs batted in among active players, will retire today, a source told Associated Press.

The 44-year-old outfielder, the oldest player in the majors, has called a news conference in New York.

Winfield’s agent, Jeff Klein, declined comment Wednesday. But another person, speaking on the condition he not be identified, confirmed the purpose of the news conference is to announce Winfield’s retirement.

The 12-time all-star, who played for Cleveland last year, has spent 23 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees.

He would finish with a .283 career average and in the top 20 of many career categories: 3,110 hits (14th), 1,833 RBIs (11th), 465 homers (19th), 11,003 at-bats (sixth) and 2,973 games (seventh).

But he batted only .191 in a limited role with the Indians, with two homers and four RBIs in 115 at-bats.

He was on the disabled list twice and Cleveland didn’t include him on its postseason roster.

“Let’s just hope I’m having a positive influence,” he said during the World Series.