During the final weeks of the 1928 season, many people were puzzled as to whether Ty would call it quits or play another season in 1929. He wanted to win a World Series, yet he wanted to retire while he still played decent baseball. I make this announcement today because of the many inquiries constantly coming to me concerning my future plans. Friends have urged me to try it one more season so that I could round out a quarter century of continous service in the American League, but I prefer to retire while there still may remain some base hits in my bat.
Baseball is the greatest game in the world.
I owe all that I possess in the way of worldly goods to this game. For each week, month, and year of my career, I have felt a deep sense of responsibility to the grand old national sport that has been everything to me. I will not reconsider. This is final.