Canada's Russell Martin officially retires after 14 MLB seasons

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) celebrates his two-run home run off Chicago White Sox starter James Shields during sixth inning American League baseball action in Toronto, Sunday, June 18, 2017. (Frank Gunn/CP)

Russell Martin made it official Saturday: The Canadian catcher has retired from professional baseball after 14 seasons in the majors.

Martin, 39, last played in 2019 after returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers for one season.

Born in East York, Ont., and raised in Montreal, Martin made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2006. He was a four-time All-Star and earned Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in 2007.

Martin also played with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays. He finished with a career .248 batting average plus 1,416 hits and 191 home runs.

"Timeless memories that I will cherish forever," Martin wrote on Instagram. "I had the chance to play for great organizations such as the Dodgers, Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Blue Jays.

"Now I’m excited to enter a new chapter. I found a new passion in golf. That’s where I fulfill my competitive needs."

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