New York Yankee catcher Jorge Posada said his final farewells Tuesday, as he held his official retirement press conference inside the Yankee Stadium media room. The press conference was an emotional one for the long-time Yankee, who spent 17 seasons and won five World Series Championships in pinstripes.
"I could never wear another uniform," said Posada, who's possibly future Hall of Famer. "I will forever be a Yankee."
The hour-long press conference covered a variety of facets of Posada's career as a Yankee, which featured him being drafted in 1990 as a second baseman, his arrival in the majors in '95, being the behind the plate during David Wells' perfect game in '98 and winning a World Series in '99. All four events Posada listed as his top experiences in New York.
"I played many games for the Yankees with one goal," said Posada, "to win games and win championships."
When asked about why he decided to retire, Posada answered honestly.
"I am tired," he said laughing.
"As soon as (last) season was over I got really emotional because I knew it was tough for me to come back," said Posada. "I had the idea of playing somewhere else but it wasn't in me... I knew in my heart and I knew in my head that I didn't want to play anymore."
In attendance at the announcement were Yankee shortstop and captain Derek Jeter, closer Mariano Rivera, who Posada called, "my brother," and former New York manger Joe Torre, who Posada thanked "for being a father for all those years."
Also making an appearance and speaking was Diana Munson, wife of former Yankee catcher Thurman Munson who died in a plane crash in 1979, who admitted that after the passing of her husband it was tough to watch baseball. However, Posada was the one Yankee player who, "made me love the game again."
Munson mentioned that she thought Thurman and Posada would have been "best buds".
Related: Is Posada A Hall Of Famer?
Posada was also asked about his plans after baseball but he couldn't give a clear answer on that.
"I want to enjoy a summer and just see what comes my way," said Posada who mentioned that he received phone calls from the YES, ESPN and MLB Network, but says he doesn't see himself behind a mike.
Posada, 40, ended his career as hitting .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBIs. He also batted .248 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs in 416 postseason at-bats.
His 125 playoff games are second all-time and he caught the third-most games in team history (1,574), behind only Bill Dickey (1,708) and Yogi Berra (1,695). Posada is a five-time American League All-Star.
Posada is the latest of the Yankees tied to the great era of the late 1990s to retire, following Andy Pettitte. Only Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera remain from those teams.
Fore more on the retirement of Posada, check out the SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley.