truebluefan

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Indians RHP KEITH FOULKE announced his retirement today after a ten year major league career highlighted by an All-Star appearance and a World Series championship.

Foulke, 34, was signed by Cleveland for the 2007 season on January 4. He retires with a career record of 41-34 with 190 saves and a 3.30 ERA in 588 Major League appearances from 1997-2006 (8GS, 755.2IP, 624H, 277ER, 695K). He led the American League with 43 saves in 2003 with the Oakland A's and recorded the final out of the 2004 World Series for the Boston Red Sox.

Statement from KEITH FOULKE regarding today's decision: "After lengthy thought I have come to the decision to retire from Major League Baseball, effective immediately. Over the last few weeks, while preparing for the 2007 season, my body has not responded as it has in years past. I feel strongly I will not be able to perform at the level where I need to be to help the Indians this season. I am thankful for the opportunity that Mark Shapiro, Eric Wedge and the entire Cleveland Indians organization have given me. They are a class organization and I wish them the best of luck in 2007."

"While we are disappointed that Keith will not be pitching for the Indians this year, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and the way he went about this decision. Keith clearly demonstrated a great deal of integrity and character in this matter and we wish him success in his future endeavors." said Cleveland Indians Executive Vice President and General Manager MARK SHAPIRO.