VANCOUVER (AP) - "I wanted a new challenge", said the Babe, "and Vancouver presented me with a great package to sign here."

Those were the words of the immortal Babe Ruth, as he signed a contract to play the 2011 season with the Vancouver Mounties. "I had offers from teams all around the league, but this one particularly interested me. As a team this is a group that went from 23rd to 16th last year, has a new stadium, new ownership, new management, and a new outlook. They've also offered me a coaching position in the organisation as soon as I decide to hang up the spikes."

When asked if he was planning to retire after the season, the 39-year old Ruth, who has a career batting average of .344, said he hadn't made a decision yet.

Mounties GM Cory Muzyka was enthused with the prospect of the living legend joining the franchise.

"We're pumped", said Muzyka. "This is a man who has clubbed over 500 homers in his career, and at 39 is still going strong. He'll be coming into a great situation here, as he'll be the leader in the clubhouse and on the field, and looked up to by youngsters like Dick Simpson and Jim Tipper. Once he makes a decision about retirement, he will be given a position in the organisation."

"I am so pleased that Babe decided to come to Vancouver - out of all the free agents available he was the guy we really wanted to get."

Ruth hit a career low .289 last season for Dublin, but managed to crank out 42 homers. "We think last season was an aberration", said Muzyka. "He's a guy who's capable of hitting over .300 with 50+ homers, without question."

"I had a great time playing in Nat Bailey Stadium during my visits to Vancouver last season", said Ruth, "and I am happy that they extended me an offer to finish my career here."