Matt Diaz announces his retirement on his blog

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Eleven-year big-league veteran Matt Diaz is calling it a career. He made the announcement on his blog, in a post he knew that he'd eventually have to write:

I'm moving on in my life from playing baseball. Notice, I didn't say, I was done with baseball! How could anyone who loves the game ever "be done." And certainly I love the game! I love the way it taught me to fail and get over it. I love the way it helped me become the man I am today. I love the way it's provided for me and my family. There's so much to love about this game. I just don't love playing it anymore, and that's how I know it's time to not pursue a job playing this year. 

Diaz wrote that he hasn't had the drive needed to be successful since 2011, and that he's ready to spend more time with his family, and be a father to his three kids. 

He thanked his family, especially his wife, who he writes is a "single mom" for six months of the year. We don't understand the sacrifices ball players and their families make, and, let's face it, he's right. 

Diaz spent 2013 with the Marlins, but only played in 10 games. He hit .167/.211/.222, with no home runs and one RBI. He hit .341/.385/.459 in 24 games in Triple-A. 

Diaz leaves the game a respectable .290/.338/.429 hitter in 736 games across four franchises. He enjoyed his most productive years with the Braves, from 2006 through 2010. He had a career year in 2009, when he hit .313/.390/.488 in 125 games with 13 home runs and 12 stolen bases.

Check out his blog post. It's a window into the world of a baseball lifer. He thanked his wife and kids - his son was over the moon that he'd have his dad around more. He thanked his parents, and even his in-laws. Diaz even listed coaches and other mentors who thanked him along his journey. 

Diaz, 35, made almost $10 million in his career. Baseball was good to him.