The New York Yankees have announced that Andy Pettitte will retire at the end of the 2013 season.
"I'm announcing my retirement prior to the conclusion of our season because I want all of our fans to know now - while I'm still wearing this uniform - how grateful I am for their support throughout my career. I want to have the opportunity to tip my cap to them during these remaining days and thank them for making my time here with the Yankees so special," Pettitte said in a statement.
"I've reached the point where I know that I've left everything I have out there on that field. The time is right. I've exhausted myself, mentally and physically, and that's exactly how I want to leave this game.
"One of the things I struggled with in making this announcement now was doing anything to take away from Mariano's day on Sunday. It is his day. He means so much to me, and has meant so much to my career that I would just hate to somehow take the attention away from him."
Pettitte, 41, owns a 255-152 (.627) career record with a 3.86 ERA (3,300.0IP, 1415ER) in 529 appearances (519 starts) over 18 Major League seasons with the Yankees (1995-2003, ’07-10 and ’12-13) and Houston Astros (2004-06).