Andres Galarraga, former Brave and fan favorite, is retiring.

A five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove in a 19-year career, Galarraga was hitting just .235 in 17 games for the Mets this spring, with three home runs and seven RBIs. The Big Cat would have likely been left off New York’s 25-man roster when the team broke camp.

“This is a sad day for me, but I honestly felt it was the right time to step away,” Galarraga said in a statement. “I just wasn’t playing up to the expectations that I have set for myself throughout my entire career, and I wanted to walk away on my own terms.

The Big Cat was always one of the classiest guys on the field and had a great 2000 season with Atlanta – .302, 28 HR, 100 RBIs. He retires with 399 career HRs.