Cardinals' Walker ponders retirement after this season

TORONTO -- Larry Walker might retire after this season, citing age and injuries.

The 38-year-old Canadian entered the St. Louis Cardinals' game at Toronto on Monday night hitting just .249 with five homers and 23 RBIs.

"A lot of people say you know when your time is up. I had an inclination last year that my time was up. I just decided to play this year and see what happens," Walker said. "It's a grind. The age and the surgeries that I've had are what's pushing me back, eight surgeries and a reconstructed knee. Father Time is creeping on me, and I realize that."

Walker said he'll retire for sure if the Cardinals win the World Series. He'll also consider moving to an American League team and becoming a designated hitter.

"I think my heart will still be there, but my body is saying, 'Come on buddy,'" Walker said.

Walker won the 1997 NL MVP, won the NL batting championship three times and has seven Gold Gloves for his outfield play. He started his career with Montreal and played nearly 10 seasons for Colorado before being traded to St. Louis last season.

"I've done some things that I couldn't have dreamed of. I never did, I dreamt about hockey," Walker said. "I was able to succeed at a pretty good clip in this game. I guess I got to be proud of that."