Alfonso Soriano is retiring, here are 8 facts you may not know about him

After 16 MLB seasons, Alfonso Soriano announced his retirement on Tuesday. You may know about his World Series heroics or 2,000-plus hits, but here are 8 things you may not know about the seven-time All-Star.

1.) He started his baseball career in Japan

Soriano actually began his professional baseball career with Nippon Professional Baseball's Hiroshima Carp. He appeared in nine games in 1997, tallying two hits in 17 at-bats. After that season, Soriano "retired" and signed with the Yankees as a free agent.

2.) Trade of the Decade?

In 2004, Soriano was traded (along with Joaquin Arias) from the Yankees to the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez.

3.) Alfonso Soriano was once almost eaten by a giant baseball player

4.) 6-for-6

On May 8, 2004, Soriano recorded a six-hit game. He's the 40th AL player to accomplish the feat and was the first Texas Ranger. He also did it in the regulation nine innings.

5.) Most leadoff home runs in one season

Soriano holds the record for most leadoff homers in a single season. He hit 13 in 2003 -- surpassing Brady Anderson's 12 mark from 1996. He also notched 12 in 2007.

6.) 40 home runs-40 steals

In 2006, Soriano joined Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco and Alex Rodriguez as the only members of the 40-40 club -- hitting 46 homers and stealing 41 bases for the Nationals. 

7.) 30 home runs-30 steals (Four times!)

Soriano's four 30-30 seasons are the third-most ever behind Bobby and Barry Bonds -- who both had five apiece. The second baseman/right fielder had 39 HRs and 41 SBs in 2002, 38 HRs and 31 SBs in 2003, 36 HRs and 30 SBs in 2005 and the 40-40 season in 2006.

8.) Great nickname or Greatest nickname?

Fonzie?? Give me a better nickname than Fonzie. Ay, Ay, Ayyy, there's not a better nickname than Fonzie.