Former Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot retires from baseball

Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Ryan Theriot (5) reacts after scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the tenth inning of game four of the 2012 World Series at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

At just 34 years old, The Riot has gone quiet.

Ryan Theriot, a former middle infielder with the Cubs, announced his retirement from professional baseball after playing eight seasons in the Major Leagues.

The diminutive Theriot is probably best-known for being a seemingly effective good luck charm in recent years, as he was a member of both the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals (2011) and San Francisco Giants (2012), after spending six years with the Cubs and part of a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His best professional season came with the Cubs in 2008, when the team won the Central Division before making a first-round playoff exit. In 149 games, Theriot hit .307/.387/.359 while manning shortstop for the North Siders. He posted a WAR of 2.2 – all while making just over $400,000 – a steal for a middle infielder who was as consistent as he was for Chicago.

His last professional season, 2012, Theriot didn’t appear to be losing any of his skills, hitting .270 with a .316 on-base percentage  in 104 games with the Giants.

Acareer .281/.341/.350 hitter, Theriot sat out last season after he failed to agree on an offer that would allow him enough playing time. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that he is interested in staying in the game in the capacity of a player agent.