Counsell to retire and join Brewers' front office

MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Brewers infielder Craig Counsell spent the past five seasons playing for his hometown team, and now he'll get the chance to start his front office career in the city where he grew up. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin announced Tuesday that Counsell, whose retirement after 15 seasons was expected, will be a special assistant to the GM. "We are pleased to have Craig join our organization in a very significant role," Melvin said in a statement. "His knowledge of how to play the game along with his work ethic and passion to see the Brewers succeed will now be utilized and welcomed by our front office." Counsell, 41, struggled on the field in 2001, hitting a career-low .178 in 157 at-bats. At one point, he went 45 at-bats without a hit, one short of the longest hitless streak in major league history by a nonpitcher. Counsell, however, has career .255 batting average in 1,623 games with Colorado (1995, '97), Florida (1997-99), Los Angeles (1999), Arizona (2000-03, '05-06) and Milwaukee (2004, '07-11). He played on four teams that qualified for the postseason, including World Series winners in Florida (1997) and Arizona (2001). He was named MVP of the 2001 National League Championship Series after batting .381 in the Diamondbacks' five-game victory against Atlanta. "I am excited to begin a new challenge in baseball," Counsell said in a statement. "I look forward to contributing in any way I can to the success of an organization that has been a special part my life for many years."