Yankees To Honor Mark Teixeira Before Oct. 2 Game
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yankee Stadium is preparing to host another retirement party.
The Yankees announced that retiring first baseman Mark Teixeira will be honored with a ceremony before the team's final regular season game on Sunday, Oct. 2 against the Baltimore Orioles. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m.
PHOTOS: Mark Teixeira, World Champion
Teixeira announced in August that he will call it a career after this season. The 36-year-old, three-time All-Star has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, including battling foot, knee and neck issues this season. In 106 games, Teixeira is batting .198 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs.
"As the season went on, I just kind of realized that my body can't do it anymore," Teixeira told reporters when he announced his retirement. "And if I'm going to grind through seasons not being healthy, I'd rather be home with my family, I'd rather do something else. I miss my kids way too much to be in a training room in Detroit rather than being at their dance recital or their school play."
Teixeria has played 14 seasons in the majors for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and Yankees. He signed with the Yankees before the 2009 season and enjoyed his best season while helping the Bronx Bombers win a world title. That year, he batted .292 with an American League-best 39 homers and 122 RBIs. He finished second in AL MVP voting and won a Gold Glove.
MORE: Keidel: Teixeira Knows What It Means To Be A Yankee More Than Anyone
He, however, has not batted above .256 since then and hasn't played in more than 123 games since 2011. Teixeira did, however, enjoy a strong 2015 campaign, hitting 31 homers in 111 games before a foul ball broke his leg and ended his season early.
Teixeira's 406 career home runs rank 55th all-time.
It will be the second big farewell held for a departing Yankee this season. Alex Rodriguez was honored before his final game in pinstripes on Aug. 12 against Tampa Bay.
