The greatest closer of all-time has started to plan for his future.
“Now, is the time,” said Rivera. “I have given everything and the time is ending. There is nothing left after this season.”
Rivera said that he was considering retirement last season, as well. Had he not gotten injured, he would have retired at the end of last season.
He had only played in 9 games last season when he torn his ACL shagging fly balls in the outfield before a game.
He was 1-1 with 5 saves in 8.1 innings, before the injury.
“I came with the decision to retire from home,” said Rivera. “But I didn’t want to end with that (injury) last year. I know that I have a job to do, and I want to do my best to represent the organization.”
He is expected to make his Spring Training debut today in Grapefruit League action. He is also expected to be ready for Opening Day in several weeks.
The 43-year-old has been with the Yankees since the 1995 season. And since that time, he has 608 career saves.
Prior to his injury, he had 44 saves during the 2011 campaign. While he could potentially save as many gaves, it is likely that he will not be called on as much.
“It’s been a journey,” said Rivera. “And I will miss the game and the action on the field. But I won’t miss anything else.”
Rivera also said he will not be the next former Yankee to come out of retirement when he does retire. He said when he retires, he is done.
Just last year, Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte came out of retirement to pitch again for the pinstripes.
“I have a few bullets left and I want to use them wisely,” said Rivera. “I do what I love, and after this year, I’m closing the door. It’s not about the money.”
He is scheduled to make $10 million dollars in his final season. And has made a $159.4 million dollars in his career.
While he called on to close the door so many times on games and World Series championships for the Yankees, Rivera said he is not the greatest at his position.
“I don’t feel like I’m the greatest of all-time,” he said. “I’m a team player. I am more interested in the team winning than my own success.”
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