Speedster Figgins to retire as an Angel
Versatile player was member of 2002 world championship squad
Chone Figgins, a 12-year veteran and a member of the Angels' 2002 World Series championship team, will sign a one-day contract with the club on Monday to announce his official retirement from baseball.
During his eight-year career with the Angels, Figgins combined to hit .291 with 31 home runs, 341 RBIs and a club-record 280 stolen bases.
"I have so many individuals to thank for such a wonderful time in my life. Special thanks to Pat Jones who drafted me and Dale Sutherland, who was responsible for me being traded to the Angels," Figgins said in a statement. "Along with the managers, coaches, training staffs, clubhouse personnel and members of the front office throughout my career, my thanks and appreciation. To my teammates, I will cherish every aspect of what we went through together. And to Arte Moreno and the Angels, thank you for allowing me this special opportunity to join the organization one final time!"
Drafted by the Rockies in the fourth round of the 1997 Draft, Figgins played in the Colorado farm system until he was traded to the Angels in July 2001.
Figgins, who became a regular for the Angels in 2004, played third base, shortstop, second base, and each of the three outfield positions.
"Chone was a player who absolutely loved to play the game," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He played the game aggressively and fearlessly. That's why he was a big part of what we did in 2002 and up through 2009. For not ever having really played third base, getting the opportunity and ... doing so at such a high level, shows you how competitive and what a great player he was.
"Whether we put him in to steal a base in a key situation or he was playing every day at third base, Chone took the challenge to heart and put everything he had into it. I wish Chone and his family the very best ahead."
Including three seasons with the Mariners and part of the 2014 campaign with the Dodgers, Figgins amassed a final career average of .276 with 35 home runs, 403 RBIs and 341 stolen bases in 1,282 games.