KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Kansas City Royals first baseman Jeff King, who has been plagued by chronic back problems throughout his 11-year career, announced his retirement today. King did not play in today's 5-4 win over the Seattle Mariners and made his surprising announcement after the game. The 34-year-old King spent time on the disabled list earlier this season and was limited to just 72 at-bats, batting .236 with three homers and 11 RBI. "I have struggled with the decision since last fall. I gutted it out but it has been really tough," King said. "My head is here, my heart is not. I have got no regrets, I have given all I have. It's bad timing but it's time nonetheless." King's last appearance was Friday night, when he was 1-for-4. He ends his career with a six-game hitting streak. "Im proud of him. He's been carrying a heavy load the last few months," Royals manager Tony Muser said. "When you understand the grind of playing every day, I have a lot of passion for that and I have a lot of passion for Jeff King. He gave me everything he had and I'll never forget it." Despite the back problems, King established career highs by playing in 155 games in both 1996 and 1997, his first two years with the Royals. He missed 31 games last year due to the ailment. King retires with a career average of .256 along with 154 homers and 709 RBI. He spent his first eight seasons in Pittsburgh, appearing in two National League Championship Series, before coming to Kansas City in the December 1996 deal that sent current Royals third baseman Joe Randa to Pittsburgh. "I owe (former Pirates manager) Jim Leyland, he kept running me out there and giving me an opportunity," King added. "I want to thank the Kansas City Royals organization. It is a first class organization. I have enjoyed my time here." King made an immediate impact in his first season with Kansas City, belting 28 homers with a career-high 112 RBI. "We'll miss Jeff King. He's a fine human being and a fine baseball player," Royals general manager Herk Robinson said. The Royals made no immediate roster move to replace King.  