Derek Jeter Retires From Professional Baseball As A New York Yankees Icon: 'It's Now Time For Something New' (READ LETTER)

The New York Yankees' captain and shortstop Derek Jeter has announced he will be retiring from professional baseball after the 2014 season.

Jeter posted a letter to his fans on his official Facebook page, detailing his reasons for retirement.

"Last year was a tough one for me," Jeter stated in his letter. "As I suffered through a bunch of injuries, I realized that some of the things that always came easily to me and were always fun had started to become a struggle. The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward.

"So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last. As I came to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold off saying anything until I was absolutely 100% sure," Jeter continued. "And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball."

Jeter explained he wants to slow down his life's pace in order to start a family, see the world and have a real summer vacation.

"For the last 20 years I've been completely focused on two goals: playing my best and helping the Yankees win. That means that for 365 days a year my every thought and action were geared toward that goal. It's now time for something new," Jeter wrote.

The Yankee icon will is retiring one year after reliever Mariano Rivera and catcher Andy Pettitte. Jeter is the last remaining member of the Yankees' Core Four, which consisted of the shortstop, Pettitte, Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada. A farwell tour for Jeter is expected, but hasn't been confirmed.