Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra is ending his baseball career the way it began.

Garciaparra, 36, signed a one-day contract as a member of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday and then announced his retirement.

He is set to join ESPN as one of the network's baseball analysts.

"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra, who played parts of nine seasons in Boston, said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."

A 14-year veteran, Garciaparra enjoyed his greatest individual season in 1997, when he won the American League MVP Award.

Garciaparra, a first-round pick in 1994, won a pair of batting titles as a Red Sox player.

After becoming one of the city's most beloved athletes, Garciaparra was part of a four-team deal in 2004. In a cruel twist of fate, he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs, who haven't won a World Series since 1908.

Boston, meanwhile, ended its 86-year World Series drought by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the fall of 2004.

"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform."

Named to 6 all-star teams

Garciaparra spent his final five seasons with the Cubs, L.A. Dodgers and Oakland A's.

Garciaparra finishes off a career that includes a .313 average, 229 home runs and 936 RBIs. He was named to six all-star teams.

Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-New York Yankee rivalry, always drawing respect.

"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."

Added Jeter's teammate, Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He's a great player and a friend."