Derek Jeter says 2014 will be his 'last year playing professional baseball'

June 18, 2012: Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees flips the ball to second base to end the seventh inning from a ball hit by Michael Bourn of the Atlanta Braves during their game at Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Al Bello/Getty Images) (2012 Getty Images)

NEW YORK – New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he will retire after this season.

In a lengthy letter posted Wednesday on his Facebook account, Jeter, 39, started by thanking his fans and supporters throughout his career. He also referenced a "bunch of injuries" that had him sidelined for much of last season.

"And the thing is, I could not be more sure," Jeter wrote. "I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball."

Jeter — a five-time World Series champion — is the Yankees' all-time leader in games played, hits, stolen bases and at bats. In 19 seasons, he notched 13 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove awards and became the 28th player to reach 3,000 hits.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig said the game had "no finer ambassador" during Selig's 21-year tenure.

"Derek is the kind of person that generations have emulated proudly, and he remains an exemplary face of our sport," Selig said. "Major League Baseball looks forward to celebrating his remarkable career throughout the 2014 season."