A baseball lifer who once saw himself spending his career with the Cardinals before seeking a second act as manager with the San Diego Padres, Mike Shildt suddenly announced Monday his retirement from the dugout.

“It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days,” Shildt wrote in a letter to the San Diego Union-Tribune and baseball writer Kevin Acee. “I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve (late owner) Peter Seidler’s vision of brining a World Series Championship to San Diego. …

“The grind of the baseball has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally,” the letter continues. “It’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms.”

It is the second time in four years he’s had an abrupt departure from the ro

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