Terry Hangs It Up After 15 Years

Free-agent third baseman Terry Pendleton has decided to retire, ending his 15-year career, the Kansas City Star reported Saturday.

Pendleton, who backed up Dean Palmer for the Kansas City Royals last season, said he considered leaving the game for several years.

"I'm going to stay at home and retire," the 38-year-old Pendleton told the newspaper. "It's time for me to be home with my family. I think it's where the good Lord wants me."

The Royals did not offer salary arbitration to Pendleton, who hit .257 with three home runs and 29 RBI last season. Pendleton said his decision had nothing to do with the Royals.

"I talked with my family at the start of spring training, and I pretty much knew it was my last year," he said.

Pendleton

Terry Pendleton never recaptured his earlier glory while with the Royals. (AP)

Pendleton, who signed a minor-league contract with the Royals in January, also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. He won Gold Glove awards in 1987, 1989 and 1992.

Pendleton had a career year for the Braves in 1991, his first with the team. He had a .319 average with 22 homers and 86 RBI. The next year, he hit .311 with career highs of 199 hits and 105 RBI and won his third Gold Glove.

Pendleton played in five World Series -- with St. Louis in 1985 and 1987, and Atlanta in 1991, 1992 and 1996.

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