Vladimir Guerrero retires from baseball

Vladimir Guerrero. AP Photo/ Patrick Semansky

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic  — Former American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero is giving up on a return to baseball.

Guerrero is announcing his retirement after failing to secure a contract this season. He last played in 2011 for the Orioles.

The 38-year-old Guerrero tells a radio station in his native Dominican Republic that he made the decision in part because he’s still feeling the effects of two operations on his right knee. He also wants to spend more time with his family, including a 14-year-old baseball-playing son named Vladimir Jr.

The nine-time All Star said in the interview Saturday with Z101.3 FM that his only real regret is not reaching the 500 home run mark.

Guerrero spent 16 seasons in the major leagues as an outfielder and designated hitter won the 2004 MVP with the Angels. He also played for Montreal and Texas. He hit .318 with 449 homers and 1,496 RBIs.