Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano retires

Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano has decided to retire from the game of baseball. Soriano has played for four teams in his 16-year career.

Soriano played for the Yankees, Rangers, Nationals and Cubs. Following a disappointing 2014 season that saw him hit .221 in 238 plate appearance, he as released by the Yankees. The 2014 season close out the eight-year, $136 million contract he signed with the Cubs in 2006.

He cited an absent love for the game as his reason to retire, as well as spending time with family.

"“I’ve lost the love and passion to play the game,” Soriano said in a radio interview Tuesday in his native Dominican Republic. “Right now, my family is the most important thing. Although I consider myself in great shape, my mind is not focused on baseball,” Soriano said."

He ends his career as 50th in baseball history with his 412 home runs. His time in Chicago brought mixed reviews from fans, as many felt he didn’t perform up to the value of his contract. But that was simply a result of the business of baseball that Sori cashed in on. He was a solid player for them, and a mentor to young Cubs like Starlin Castro.

Soriano helped lead the Cubs to two Central Division titles in 2007 and 2008, both All-Star seasons.