Blue Jays honor Omar Vizquel

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TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays have honored retiring infielder Omar Vizquel by having him throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the season finale against Minnesota.

The three-time All-Star and 11-time Gold Glove winner has said he intends to retire after a 24-year career.

The 45-year-old Vizquel broke in with Seattle in 1989 and has also played with Cleveland, San Francisco, Texas and the Chicago White Sox.

Fans stood and cheered as Vizquel took the mound following a video highlight montage and threw the first pitch to Ricky Romero.

Vizquel, who has played mostly at second base and third for the Blue Jays this season, was given one final start at shortstop against the Twins. It was his 2,709th game at shortstop, the most in major league history.

Former teammate Carlos Baerga and fellow Venezuelan baseball greats Luis Aparicio and Andres Galarraga were on hand for Vizquel's final game.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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