Joe Mauer has announced his retirement from the MLB at the age of 35 after spending all 15 seasons of his career with the Minnesota Twins.

In his 15 major league seasons, Mauer has appeared in six All-Star games, won three Gold Gloves, three batting titles and racked up 2,123 career hits.

"After much consideration I have decided to retire from playing baseball," the ad from Mauer says in the letter. "The decision came down to my health and my family. The risk of concussion is always there, and I was reminded of that this season after missing over 30 games as a result of diving for a foul ball.

"Thank you, Minnesota Twins, and thank you, fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was. Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart."