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Sweeney Signs 1-Day Deal In Order To Retire As Royal

Former slugger Mike Sweeney has signed a one-day minor league contract with Kansas City so he could officially retire as a member of the Royals.

The 37-year-old Sweeney was a five-time All-Star with the Royals. He played for Kansas City from 1995-2007 and spent his last three seasons with Oakland, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Sweeney finished with a .297 average, 215 home runs and 909 RBI. His final at-bat came in the only postseason plate appearance of his career, and he singled last October for the Phillies.

The Royals said Friday that Sweeney will throw out the ceremonial first ball for the March 31 opener against the Los Angeles Angels. Sweeney also said he would remain with the Royals in some capacity to work with minor league players.

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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