Everyone knew it was coming, but Mariano Rivera made it official on Saturday morning.
The longtime Yankees closer will retire following the 2013 season. Rivera held a news conference on Saturday morning in Tampa, Fla., to announce his decision.
“It’s official now. After this year, I will be retired,” Rivera said.
By announcing his retirement now, that allows Rivera to go on a year-long farewell tour.
“It has been a privilege and honor to wear the pinstriped uniform that I have proudly worn for so many years,” Rivera said.
Rivera holds the MLB record for saves (608) and games finished (892). He has a career 2.21 ERA in 18 years with the Yankees. He’s been even more dominant in the postseason. In 96 career appearances, he has a 0.70 ERA and 42 saves.
Check out Rivera’s retirement announcement in the video below.
Photo via Twitter/@Yankees
