Hilo native Kolten Wong announces retirement from Major League Baseball

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hilo’s Kolten Wong is retiring from Major League Baseball.

The St. Louis Cardinals released the news Monday after Wong was inducted into the University of Hawaii’s Sports Circle of Honor Sunday night.

The 2008 Kamehameha Schools Hawaii graduate and former Rainbow Warrior is now 34 years old.

Wong played 11 pro seasons, including eight with St. Louis. He also played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

He racked up nearly 1,000 hits and won two Golden Glove awards for his agility on the infield.

Wong said he’s retiring so he can focus on being a father to his two sons, Kash and Kruz.

They accompanied Wong to the mound at Les Murakami Stadium Friday as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.