Former star Pirates catcher Jason Kendall has ended a comeback bid in Class AA Northwest Arkansas (Royals) and declared his retirement.
↵Kendall had not played since 2010 due to a shoulder injury. Before playing for Kansas City in 2010, Kendall had played for the Brewers (2008-2009), Cubs (2007) and Athletics (2005-2007) after leaving the Pirates. He finishes his career with a .288/.366/.378 line, with 2,195 hits and three All-Star berths.
↵Kendall spent all of his best years with the Pirates, for whom he played from 1996 through 2004. His 1998 through 2000 seasons were especially great, earning him a six-year, $60 million contract extension that put the Pirates on the receiving end of lots of criticism once Kendall's career was slowed by injuries. He still retires as one of the best Pirates players from those lean post-Sid Bream years. He'll be remembered not only for his numbers, but for his toughness and intensity.
↵For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Royals, there's Royals Review.