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Ordonez Makes Retirement Official

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Magglio Ordonez has made his retirement official, ending a stellar career in which the outfielder hit .309 in 15 seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.

Ordonez held a news conference at Comerica Park on Sunday, and the Tigers held a ceremony before their game against the New York Yankees.

The 38-year-old Ordonez talked about how he wants to be remembered.

"I want the fans, you know the people here, to remember the way I played in the field, and the way that I handled myself away fromt the field," said Ordonez.

Ordonez said he was proud to have played in playoff games and was happy playing his 18 years in the big leagues - playing at a good level.

Tigers Manager Jim Leyland was emotional, calling Ordonez a friend.

"... and I thank you for all of the wonderful things you did for me, all the respect you showed me, and all the respect you showed your teammates. You'll be missed, " Leyland said.

Fans say they'll miss Ordonez too -- Many remembering his home run in 2006 that sent the Tigers into the World Series.

Ordonez's homer to win Game 4 of the 2006 AL championship series against Oakland sent Detroit to the World Series and remains one of the most memorable moments in Tigers history.

Ordonez also won the American League batting title in 2007, hitting .363 with 28 home runs, 54 doubles and 139 RBIs.

He was bothered by ankle problems the last two seasons and said he didn't receive any satisfactory offers to play in the majors in 2012.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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