
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 11, 1994                   TAG: 9402110128
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

YOUNT DECIDES TO RETIRE

Robin Yount, who joined the Milwaukee Brewers two decades ago as a wide-eyed, 18-year-old shortstop and later helped bring the city its only American League pennant, decided Thursday to retire.

Yount, 38, chose to end his career after 20 seasons rather than return as a reserve outfielder and designated hitter in 1994. He finished with a .285 average and 3,142 hits, 13th on the all-time list.

Yount, who spent one year in the minor leagues, is only the third player to be chosen Most Valuable Player at two positions. He was a shortstop when he won the award in 1982 and played center field in 1989. Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Hank Greenberg are the others.

The Brewers scheduled a news conference for this morning in the clubhouse at Milwaukee County Stadium, at which time "Yount will officially announce his retirement," a statement by the team said.

Yount, who grew up with the Brewers, will stay with the team in some capacity.

Yount, his wife, Michele, Brewers president Bud Selig and general manager Sal Bando were to be at the news conference, where Yount's new duties will be announced, Brewers spokesman Tom Skibosh said.

Yount's best year was 1982, when he hit .331 with 29 home runs and 114 RBI, redefining the role of shortstop by becoming the first American Leaguer at that position to hit better than .300 with 20 homers and 100 RBI.

After last season, Yount and the Brewers agreed on a $3.2 million contract should he return. On Thursday, Yount told the club his playing days were over, denying his fans a farewell season like Nolan Ryan or even a farewell month like George Brett.

Keywords:
BASEBALL

by CNB