By Lara Holmes

With tears in his eyes the catcher officially announced his retirement after 17 seasons at the diamonds in the majors, all with the Yankees.

Jorge Posada laughed and cried during the news conference where he announced his departure as an active player.

Just after completing his 17th season with the Yankees, Posada understood that it was appropriate to leave the only team that took over an illustrious career in the majors.

Accompanied by his wife and two children, and five World Series trophies on the table, the catcher said his farewell to baseball.

Posada, 40, put an end to his career in baseball after 17 seasons, all with the Yankees.

When he started reading a farewell note, Posada quoted a phrase from Joe DiMaggio: I want to thank God for making me a Yankee. I could not get another uniform. I will always be a Yankee, Posada said.

He says his good bye with a .273 average, 275 homers and 1.065 RBIs, numbers that underpin a strong chance of being considered for the Hall of Fame when within five years he will be eligible for the first time.