Aramis Ramirez likely to call it quits after 2015 campaign

After a terrific career, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez will likely call it quits at the end of this season according to ESPN.

"“It’s a family thing. I’ve got three kids, I’ve been playing for a long time and away for a long time. Sometimes, it’s just time to do something else.”"

Ramirez, who turns 37 years old in June, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates at the age of 16 on Nov. 7, 1994. He would later make his big league debut with the Bucs four years down the road. In 2003, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs along with outfielder Kenny Lofton and participate in one of the most controversial playoff series in franchise history that fall in the NLCS against the Florida Marlins.

As we all remember, the Cubs were only a handful of outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1945. And, well, we all know how that wound up.

He spent nine years in Chicago, where he batted .294 with 239 home runs, 806 RBI and two All-Star selections before opting for free agency – out of which he joined his third National League Central team.

After the 2011 season, Ramirez signed a three-year deal worth $36 million with the Milwaukee Brewers with hopes of competing for a title.  He was voted as an All-Star starter in 2014 and posted a .285 batting average to go along with 15 home runs and 66 RBI in just 133 games.

The former Cub missed a combined 99 games over the past two seasons, playing in just 92 in 2013 and 133 a year ago because of two different leg injuries.

His best season came with the Cubs in 2006, when he smacked a career-high 38 bombs while driving in a career-high 119 runs with a .291/.352/.561 clip. Despite his MVP-worthy season, the Cubs finished last in the N.L. Central behind the Pirates with a record of 66-96.

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The three-time All-Star is a career .285 hitter and ranks sixth all-time among third baseman with 369 career long-balls. He also has 464 doubles and over 2,000 hits.  Of his 17 years in the majors, he has four seasons with a least 30 homers – and seven with at least 100 runs batted in.

Without a doubt, Ramirez has posted numbers that are worthy of ‘Hall of Fame’ consideration and he will likely go down as one of the greatest Chicago Cubs of all-time.

Next: Former Cubs' CF Juan Pierre retires after 14-years