Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

According to Richard Justice (MLB.com), former Astros great Lance Berkman will retire from baseball. No word on what his plans are following his All-Star career. Mark Berman (MyFox26) spoke to Berkman who had the following to say:

Lance Berkman says he is retiring: “I’m excited about to be honest with you. I think it’s going to be great.” — Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 29, 2014

Lance Berkman on retiring: “Just physically I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t think I can compete at a level I’m used to competing at” — Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 29, 2014

Originally drafted with the 16th overall pick in the 1997 MLB Draft, Berkman finishes his 15-year career with 366 home runs, 422 doubles, 1,234 RBI’s, while slashing .293/.406/.537. Berkman spent 12 seasons in Houston, before being shipped off to the New York Yankees as part of the Astros firesale.

The 37-year old will always be remembered as a member of the Houston Astros. While with the Astros, Berkman finished with 5 All-Star appearances and finished in the top-5 of NL MVP voting four different times. Berkman was a member of the “Killer B’s” and was a huge part of the Astros World Series run in 2005.

Berkman finishes his career with a 51.8 WAR. When in the postseason, Berkman excelled offensively batting .317 with 9 home runs in 186 at-bats. Berkman was a huge part of the Cardinals team that went on to win the World Series, and took home the NL Comeback Player of the Year award that season. Berkman will always be known for his “clutch” factor throughout his career.

It wouldn’t surprise me to see Berkman go right into coaching following his official retirement. Berkman attended Rice University, where we was named the 1997 National College Player of the Year. Berkman has a standing offer to coach at his alma mater, but could have other plans in the works. The Waco-native is likely stay in Texas for whatever he chooses to do next.