Phoenix ? Five-time All-Star Matt Williams, who had been the last of the original Diamondbacks until recently being released, announced his retirement Thursday.

Williams, who had 378 career home runs, spent the past 51/2 seasons with the Diamondbacks. Though he still had a year left on his contract, he was designated for assignment by the team June 1.

His agent, Joe Longo, said that Williams talked to several teams but ultimately decided to stay home with his family.

“It was more a matter of his family. He put his family first. He couldn’t find a reason to continue playing,” Longo said.

Williams, 37, had been leaning toward retiring after his contract with Arizona expired, Longo said. His release just accelerated the decision.

“He’s newly engaged, and he has his kids there. All things considered, he just didn’t want to leave,” he said.

The Diamondbacks tried to trade Williams and two other players to the Colorado Rockies for Larry Walker in the offseason, but Williams and Walker rejected the deal.

Williams has custody of his children — ages 13, 12 and 10 — and didn’t want to uproot them.

Longo said Williams would focus on a Chandler, Ariz., youth baseball league named for him and on his business interests, which include a construction company he owns with his brother.

Williams has not ruled out a career in broadcasting either, Longo said. “He’s just going to see what comes.”

Williams, who played with San Francisco, Cleveland and the Diamondbacks, finished his career with a .268 batting average and 1,218 RBIs in 7,000 at-bats. He also earned four Gold Glove awards.

When he was playing for the Giants, Williams had 43 homers and was on pace to threaten Roger Maris’ then-season record of 61 when players struck Aug. 12, 1994.