During a press conference today at Yankee Stadium, Alex Rodriguez announced that his final MLB game will Friday, August 12th with the New York Yankees. Rodriguez will be unconditionally released by the Yankees following Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"This is a tough day. I love this game and I love this team. And today I'm saying goodbye to both," Rodriguez said while holding back his emotions.

A 3-time MVP (2003, '05, '07), Rodriguez will sign a contract to serve as a special adviser/instructor with the Yankees through December, 2017, earning the rest of his roughly $26.5 million left on his player contract.

"This was Hal's idea. I give him a lot of credit for believing in me, having faith in me." Rodriguez said, "I'm at peace with the decision."

Rodriguez is having a dismal year, by far the worst of his illustrious career. He's batting .204 with 9 home runs and 29 RBI's in a mere 62 games this season. Rodriguez is also only four home runs away from 700 for his career.

Rodriguez will still be on the field for the Yankees, just in a different way. He will be assisting the next generation of Yankees as the changing of the guard continues in the Yankee organization.

"I'm invested in these kids," Rodriguez said about his new role with the team during his press conference.

Hal Steinbrenner and the Yankees released a presser explaining the situation. Hal also gave a statement on the decision, saying, "I'm pleased he will remain in the organization."

Rodriguez is one of only three players all-time with 600 home runs, 300 stolen bases and 2,000 runs scored. The 14-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger hit 696 career home runs, recorded 3,114 hits, and totaled 2,084 RBI's over his 22 year career. Rodriguez is the only player in MLB history to hit at least 250 HR at two different positions (SS/3B). He played 12 season's with the Yankees, helping them win the World Series in 2009. However, he was suspended for the entire 2014 season for a doping scandal involving a Miami clinic.

"We all want to keep playing forever, but it doesn't work that way."

The first overall selection in the 1993 MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners, A-Rod debuted on July 8th, 1994 at the age of 18. He would go on to sign the two largest salary contracts in MLB history at that point with the Texas Rangers and then the Yankees, who signed him to a 10-year/$252.87 million deal, which received much scrutiny.

"This ring doesn't come along without Alex's contributions," General Manager Brian Cashman said during the press conference as he laid his 2009 World Series ring down on the table in front of the media.

When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Rodriguez gave a short response that in a way can summarize the up's and down's of his career.

"I want to be remembered as someone who tripped and fell a lot, but kept getting up."

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