Howard Johnson Retires

Howard Johnson’s comeback attempt with the New York Mets came to an end Wednesday when the infielder announced his retirement.

Johnson, 36, met with General Manager Joe McIlvaine and Manager Bobby Valentine, and the team made it clear that Johnson wouldn’t make it as a player with the Mets this season. McIlvaine said he wouldn’t mind offering Johnson a coaching job.

Johnson signed a minor league contract Feb. 10 and hit .129 in 31 at-bats this spring with one home run and two RBIs.

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