TOKYO -- Former major league infielder Munenori Kawasaki is likely to retire after being released by his Japanese club on Monday.
In a statement released by the Softbank Hawks, the 36-year-old infielder said a series of injuries has prevented him from being the player he wanted to be.
Kawasaki spent five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs. His post-game interviews in broken English became an internet sensation during that time.
His best season in the majors was in 2013 when he had 55 hits and drove in 24 runs for the Blue Jays.