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Jorge Posada announces retirement; lauded by Jason Varitek

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff January 24, 2012 11:12 AM

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By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

Long-time Yankees catcher Jorge Posada announced his retirement today. The press conference just started in the Bronx.

Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte are on hand for the event at Yankee Stadium along with Hal Steinbrenner and Diana Munson, the widow of Thurman Munson.

Posada was with the Yankees for 17 seasons. He hit .273/.374/.474 with 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs. He played 125 playoff games and was an All-Star five times.

Via the Yankees, here's a comment from Jason Varitek:

"After hundreds of head-to-head games during the regular season and the postseason, I can't say I respect and admire anyone at our position more than I do Jorge. The hard work and preparation he put into catching is a huge reason he has five championships on his resume. He is a true grinder."

Posada said he wanted to retire as a Yankee. It'll be interesting to see what happens next with Varitek. Posada is 40 and Varitek turns 40 in April.

Those guys would make for a great book given all they meant to two great franchises and all the drama they were involved with on the field over the years,