Hanshin Tigers outfielder Kojiro Machida said Friday he will finish his playing career at the end of this season and is to join the coaching staff of the Central League club's minor league team next year.
"I have had a lot of injuries and after much agonizing I have decided to call it quits," said Machida.
"There are a lot of talented players coming through the second team and I want to help bring the best out of them." Machida joined the Hiroshima Carp as a top draft pick in 1992 and moved to Hanshin in the 2004 offseason.
The 36-year-old compiled a career record of 85 home runs and 272 RBIs with a .251 average in 955 appearances.