Manny Ramirez: MLB Star Announces His Retirement from Baseball

Manny Ramirez to Retire From Baseball After 19 Years

Manny Ramirez signed a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason. He had hoped to join Johnny Damon and help the Rays with some offensive fire power. 

However Manny Ramirez has announced that he will retire from baseball according to USA Today. Manny was notified by Major League Baseball that there was an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. 

"Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player," the statement says. "If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter." 

Ramirez is hitting .059 on the season. He is 1-17 on the season and finishes his career with a .312 average, 555 home runs, and 1,831 RBI.

It was questionable whether or not Manny would even play at all this season. He's 38 years old and hans't been very productive in recent years. It was reported that he was working out more frequently this off season trying to get in shape to help a ball club win a championship.

Did he take more performance enhancing drugs?  

You know the Rays are kicking themselves for taking the risk on signing the outfielder. This is another case of Manny being Manny. Instead of compiling with the MLB he calls it quits. 

I can't wait until there are more details about this story. When the truth is revealed about why Ramirez is retiring from baseball I'm sure it will cause quite a stir.

Baseball is no stranger to drug problems recently. Steroids have been a pressing issue in the sport for many years now, and this just makes things worse.

Manny Ramirez won't be returning to baseball. He served a 50 game suspension in 2009 for violating the leagues drug policy. His retirement makes it clear that he has no intention of dealing with the issue anymore.

So this raises the question, does Manny Ramirez belong in the Hall of Fame?

Baseball writers are highly against putting those who use performance enhancing drugs in the hall, so I don't think he will. What do you think?    

Kim Smith Hilary Duff Lake Bell Amerie Rachel Bilson