Major League Baseball

Report: Rivera to decide midseason

Published Mar. 7, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will make the announcement on his future around midseason, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

"I think maybe it will be before the All-Star break," Rivera told The Post on when he expects to announce whether he will continue pitching in 2013.

"I just want to be sure," he said. "I want to make sure whatever I decide, it will be the right decision. I don't want to tell you, 'OK, I'm going to retire,' and then I don't do it. To me, that's not right."

All signs point to the 42-year-old Rivera retiring after the 2012 season. Baseball's all-time saves leader said if he does decide to retire, he wants to have a few months to show his appreciation to the fans.

"It would be nice that you tell the fans, so every stadium you go to, the fans will be there to show their appreciation and you appreciate the fans," he said.

"I appreciate all the fans; I appreciate their support and what they mean to the game. That's the way it should be done, with respect, to give them the opportunity to see you and say goodbye. I think that's the way to do it. I don't want to take for granted everything the fans have given me. I don't want to take for granted what God has given me."

Upon his arrival at spring training in Tampa last month, Rivera hinted he was heading into his last season.

"I have my church, my family," said Rivera. "It is important for me to leave the game on top if God allows me to do that."

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