Mark Ellis Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

MLB veteran second baseman Mark Ellis, who spent much of his 12-year career with the Oakland Athletics, announced his retirement Wednesday.

Ellis, 37, told the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser about his decision to walk away from the game for the time being.

"It was definitely time," said Ellis. "My kids are getting older and I kind of realized it was time to do something else."

Oakland general manager Billy Beane hinted that a role within the organization would be waiting for Ellis should he decide to return to MLB in a non-playing capacity:

"

Mark was the consummate professional, both on and off the field. He brought a work ethic and consistency that you want all young players to emulate. In my 18 years as a GM, we have had a lot of players I have been particularly fond of; Mark was one of those. After some deserved time with Sarah and his children, I'm hopeful, when he is ready, Mark will continue his baseball career with the A's.

"

A career .262 hitter, Ellis made his living as an exceptional fielder, appearing in 1,364 games at second base and registering just 60 errors at the position in that span.

Ellis' WAR peaked at 4.8 in 2007 with Oakland, and he also spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with brief stints in Colorado and St. Louis to finish. Ellis' intangibles embodied what Beane has striven for in building the A's into a contender on a minimal payroll.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Ellis accept Beane's implicit offer and thrive in a front-office role. The savvy he played the game with would benefit the current club in its continued quest for a first World Series since 1989.

Note: Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.