Royals’ King Decides to Retire

Following Kansas City’s victory over Seattle, first baseman Jeff King retired after 11 seasons in the major leagues because of chronic back problems.

King, 34, was on the disabled list earlier this season because of back problems and was hitting .236 with three home runs and 11 runs batted in for the Royals. He last played in Friday’s game, going one for four, and ends his career with a six-game hitting streak.

“It was a tough decision, but I’m proud of him for making it,” Royal Manager Tony Muser said. “It’s a tough thing to take a jersey off for the last time.”

King spent the past three seasons with the Royals after eight years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit 28 homers and drove in 112 runs during his first season in Kansas City in 1997 and had 24 homers and 93 RBIs last season despite missing 31 games.