Dave Winfield, who was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame in 2001, retired Monday from the Major League Baseball Players Association.
"This decision, made after careful reflection and in consultation with his family, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in baseball history -- one defined by passion, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment both to the game and our union," union executive director Tony Clark said in a lengthy statement.
"From his early days as a standout at the University of Minnesota, to his meteoric rise with the San Diego Padres, Dave's journey on the field was always about more than just baseball.