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Spirit shortstop Sanchez announces retirement

August 22, 2005 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
North Shore Spirit News Release


LYNN - Yuri Sanchez, who established himself as a schoolboy standout at Lynn Tech and saw his career come full circle by playing for the North Shore Spirit in his hometown the last three seasons, announced his retirement from professional baseball over the weekend.

Sanchez, one of the first players signed by the Spirit prior to their inaugural season in 2003, will remain with the Spirit as a coach.

"It was time," Sanchez said of his decision. "My legs have been bothering me more and more, and I want to get into coaching. The time was right for me to make this move."

Sanchez, 31, was hitting .203 through 70 games at the time of his retirement. He played his last game Friday night in Brockton, a 3-1 Spirit win. To fill the void left by Sanchez' retirement, the Spirit signed 28-year-old shortstop Cleatus Davidson, an 11-year veteran who played in 12 games with the Minnesota Twins in 1999. Davidson, who played for Elmira the last two seasons, started Saturday and Sunday vs. Brockton, going a combined 3-for-7.

Spirit owner Nick Lopardo said Sanchez has epitomized what the organization stands for. "Yuri was one of the first players signed by the Spirit, and from day one he has represented himself, his family, the City of Lynn and the North Shore Spirit with the utmost class and dignity," said Lopardo.

"Yuri played a key role in our advancing to the league championship series the last two years, and while his playing career is coming to an end, we are very pleased that he will remain in a Spirit uniform as a coach. We wish him all the best as he embarks on a new career in baseball."

Sanchez was drafted out of Lynn Tech by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 1992 draft. He played in the Detroit system until 1996 when he was traded to Cincinnati. Sanchez, who played one game in AAA in 1996, was traded by the Reds to the New York Mets in 1998. After spending time with the Mets, Cleveland and Arizona organizations, Sanchez joined the Camden Riversharks, an independent team in the Atlantic League, in 2001 and played there for two years. He signed with the Spirit Feb. 24, 2003.

Sanchez played 1,215 games in 14 professional seasons. He had a .232 career batting average, with 61 home runs and 397 RBI.

"I was going to retire three years ago, but then the Spirit called and I really wanted to play in Lynn. I knew this would be the place I end my career. I have really enjoyed my time with the Spirit."

Sanchez was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to Lynn when he was 13. He was known for his slick fielding and lightning-like speed, at one time being clocked home to first in less than 4.35 seconds.



Canadian American League Stories from August 22, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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