Loretta joins Padres’ front office

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That walk-off single to win Game 2 of the National League division series for the Dodgers? That was the last hit of Mark Loretta‘s career.

Loretta announced his retirement today, accepting a position as special assistant in the San Diego Padres’ baseball operations department.

‘I feel extremely fortunate and thankful to have had this career,’ Loretta said in a statement.

Loretta, 38, concluded his 15-year career with the Dodgers last season, batting a career-low .232 as a reserve infielder. He finished his career with a .295 batting average and played in 1,726 games, but he never played in the World Series.

Loretta, who attended St. Francis High in La Canada and Northwestern University, played for the Padres for three seasons. In 2004, as the Padres’ second baseman, he hit .335 with 16 home runs, earning an All-Star berth and Silver Slugger award and finishing ninth in MVP voting.

-- Bill Shaikin