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(Credit: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Derek Jeter to retire after 2014

(Credit: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Everyone knew this time would come, but everyone wanted to ignore it.

On Wednesday afternoon, Derek Jeter released a statement via Facebook which announced his plans to retire after the 2014 season.

“It was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last,” Jeter wrote. “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-percent sure. And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart.”

In the lengthy statement, Jeter thanked the fans, his teammates, managers, the Steinbrenners and his family and friends for allowing him to carry out his dream of playing shortstop for the New York Yankees. Jeter also described how tough last year was for him when he battled multiple injuries.

“I realized that some of the things that always came easily for me and were always fun had started to become a struggle,” he said. He also went on to talk about his desires to start a family, get involved with more philanthropic work and finally have a summer vacation.

Jeter, who will turn 40 this June, called Hal Steinbrenner early Wednesday morning to let him know of his decision, but asked the owner to keep the news private. Now, the sports world is trying to come to grips with the fact that the ageless captain of the Yankees is in fact mortal, and will hang it up for good after the season.

With five World Series titles, 13 All-Star team selections, five Silver Sluggers and five Gold Gloves and countless big plays Jeter will ride into Cooperstown on the first ballot in 2020. His 3,316 hits are good for 10th most among all major leaguers, past or present. Should he stay healthy for ’14, Jeter could end up as high as sixth on the all-time hit-list.

Currently, Jeter’s in Tampa working hard and trying to push the sun back into the sky for one more Jeter-like year. The Yankees and their fans hope it will end with the team’s 28th world championship. But before the end of the season, like with Andy and Mo, we’ll see an outpouring of love for Jeter throughout the league as he makes his farewell tour.

So as we all sit here on a cold, February day – as another snow storm bares down on the northeast – kick back, and let the memories of a career we probably won’t see again, keep you warm. Here is a look back at some of Jeter’s most memorable moments… so far.