Yokohama BayStars second baseman Bobby Rose announced his retirement from baseball Monday after failing to reach an agreement with club management over a new contract for next season.
Rose, 33, explained in tears after Monday's game against the Yakult Swallows that Yokohama has only offered a contract with a decrease in salary and then added that he has no intention of "wearing the uniform of any other Japanese club."
"I don't regret my decision and we had good talks. When I received the offer, I thought this may be a sign that I should get a new life started," said Rose, last year's batting champion and a two-time RBI leader in the Central League.
Yokohama executive Yoshio Noguchi said, "(Rose) has been pondering whether to stay in baseball or get started on a new life. He told me that he won't play either in Japan or the United States any more."