In fact, it is uncertain whether or not he will play again, period.

For the past two seasons Bagwell has been hampered by an injured right shoulder that has required a couple of operations and put the normally steady player out of commission for a significant number of games. Bagwell's injury seemed to get worse, not better.

Houston ownership faced a dilemma over the winter. Bagwell's contract called for a significant amount of money this season, but the team questioned whether tying up that much moola in an injury-prone veteran was worth the gamble. The Astros believed Bagwell was, in fact, damaged goods.

Houston held an insurance policy that agreed to pay a big portion of Bagwell's salary if it was determined the first baseman was unable to play the game. The Astro bean counters figured it was in the team's best interest for Bagwell to stay home.

Bagwell had other ideas.

When Houston's spring training camp opened, Bagwell was there and determined to prove that he could play. He took part in all the drills, showed the hustle of a rookie and almost did all the right things. Almost.

The problem was two-fold. Bagwell couldn't throw the ball and at the plate his swing was hampered by his bum shoulder. A gamer, Bagwell continued to give it everything he had. In the end, however, he finally had to give up the ghost.

Bagwell agreed that he was not able to perform and went on the Disabled List. Reportedly, he will consult a surgeon to see if there is any way that his injury can be corrected. By all accounts, it looks doubtful.

This season may see Bagwell's illustrious career come to an end. If the slugger finally tosses in the towel, it will be baseball's loss. Bagwell is the face of the Houston Astros and has been for many years. He is a consummate team player and is well respected by fellow players throughout the Major Leagues. Baseball will lose a lot when it loses Jeff Bagwell.

Bagwell originally signed with the Red Sox but was traded to Houston as a minor leaguer. He broke into the majors in 1991 and has never looked back. A four-time All-Star, Bagwell has always been known as a great clutch hitter and run producer. He is the only first baseman in baseball history to collect 400 homers (449) and over 200 stolen bases. A career .297 hitter, Bagwell is a sure-fire Hall-of-Fame candidate, likely to go in during his first year of eligibility.

Houston, a team with an inconsistent offense, will miss Bagwell's bat. Slugger Lance Berkman will move from left field to take over first base. Bagwell's presence, however, will be missed off the field as well. A leader in the locker room, the veteran has consistently shown class and character throughout his career. Young players in the Houston organization owe much of their success to the example set by Jeff Bagwell.

He will be sorely missed.