Harwell surprised nearly everyone but himself by announcing at spring training his intention to retire.

In 1987, after 10 years away from the ring, Foreman surprised the boxing world by announcing a comeback at the age of 38.

He surprised most of his colleagues by abruptly announcing his resignation in March.

And in 1974, she surprised the opera world by announcing her sudden retirement, aged 55.

Finally, she surprised her son by announcing her resignation on 3 July 1820.

A few months after September, 11, he surprised everyone by announcing he'd joined the Marines.

At the post-fight press conference, Leonard surprised everyone by announcing his retirement again, saying he just didn't have it anymore.

She thought he was working on a good line of defense, but then he surprised her by announcing quietly, "My father would agree with you."

That is probably why last year he surprised everyone, including his own staff, by announcing he was going to give his museum to the nation.

Last week, defense attorneys surprised the courtroom by announcing they would call no witnesses.