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After 17 years, all with the New York Yankees, 275 homers, 1,065 RBI, a .273 batting average, five All-Star selections and five championship rings, Jorge Posada made his retirement official last night.

The catcher sat a podium in front of reporters and now-former teammates – including Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and C. C. Sabathia – and said he knew in his “heart and head,” before last season was over, that he was going to call it quits.

“I want to thank my teammates throughout the years,” Posada said, choking back tears, “especially Derek Jeter, who helped me stay focused and positive. Thank you, buddy.”

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Posada is a borderline Hall of Fame candidate who will surely have his number retired by the Yankees. He added that various teams had contacted his agent and he likely could have latched on somewhere, but it was never really an option.

“Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor,” he said. “I could never wear another uniform.”