Jason Kendall hasn't played in a big-league game in almost two seasons, but never gave up hope on a return until Wednesday, when he ended what was certainly an underrated career as a catcher.
Less than a week after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals, Kendall felt a twinge in his surgically repaired right shoulder and decided that enough was enough and retired.
"Someone asked me what the highlight of my career was. Every day. I had the greatest gig I know. I had fun, and I don't have a single regret," Kendall told the Kansas City Star.
Kendall played in 15 seasons and caught in 2,025 major-league games, fifth in history behind Ivan Rodriguez, Carlton Fisk, Bob Boone and Hall of Famer Gary Carter.
Kendall was a three-time All-Star, and batted .288 lifetime. He never hit for much power -- his .744 career OPS shows that. But he had good leadership skills and was just productive enough, and that kept him in demand until age 38 despite injuries that derailed his potential.
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