Shelving sport, "Shiggy" to retire

TOKYO — Former Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa said Monday that he is retiring from baseball.

The 37-year-old Hasegawa pitched in 46 games last season for Seattle, going 1-3 with a 4.19 ERA. In November, the Mariners turned down a $3.1 million option to bring him back for another season.

"I had some offers from other teams, but have decided to retire," Hasegawa said. "Unless I'm in perfect shape ... I wouldn't be able to be an important part of a team."

The 2003 All-Star had a 45-44 career record with 33 saves over nine seasons in the majors with the Angels and Mariners.