Veteran major-league outfielder Mike Cameron has decided to retire instead of compete for a platoon job with the Washington Nationals.

Cameron, 39, played 17 seasons with eight major-league teams. He hit .249 during his career, but was always known more for his defensive prowess than his bat. He won three Gold Glove awards (2001, 2003 and 2006) and was an All-Star in 2001.

Cameron played in the Midwest League on his way to the majors. He hit .236 with 1 HR, 39 RBI and 21 SB in 157 games for the South Bend White Sox in 1992 and 1993.

Interestingly, Cameron played for Terry Francona three times during his career. The first time was when Francona was a rookie manager for South Bend in 1992. The second time was with the Birmingham Barons in 1995, one year after Francona managed basketball legend Michael Jordan with the same team. The third time was with the Boston Red Sox in 2010 and 2011.

For now, the two men visibly remain linked in South Bend on banners posted on a pillar outside the new outfield entrance to Coveleski Stadium, as seen in the photo below.

Several banners like the ones seen here can be found outside the outfield entrance to South Bend's Coveleski Stadium. They pay homage to some of the better-known alumni of South Bend minor-league baseball.