In a bit of news that just had to come down on the same day Rickey Henderson called it quits, 3 time Gold Glove winner 1B John Olerud has announced his retirement after 16 years with the Blue Jays, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox and Yankees.

Olerud, who won his only batting title with a .363 average for Toronto in 1993, was a career .295 hitter who made the AL All-Star team in ’93 and 2001.

Batting helmet in the field aside, it’s hard to think of a player who did less to call attention to himself. Olerud brought a steely presence to every club he played for, even as his skills declined. One of the best fielding first baseman of his generation, Olerud was blessed with a smooth, seemingly effortless swing that belied his occassional pop (255 career home runs). His stoic professionalism will be missed.