Baseball: McGwire retires

Mark McGwire, the former single-season home run king, will retire from baseball after telling US sports network ESPN he is worn out.

McGwire strongly hinted at a possible retirement several times this year, when he batted just .187 with 29 home runs as he was slowed by an injured right knee.

ESPN anchor Rich Eisen said yesterday that he received a phone call from McGwire, saying he was happy with the decision.