TAMPA, FL - MARCH 4: Designated hitter Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees follows through as he hits a single to left field in front of catcher Tommy Joseph #73 of the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a spring training game on March 4, 2015 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

BREAKING: Alex Rodriguez will be released by the New York Yankees

We've come to the end of an era.

We have officially reached the end of an era. On Sunday afternoon, just 24 hours after the New York Yankees announced that Alex Rodriguez would be holding a press conference, the organization announced that A-Rod would be released from the organization after a 12-year career with the New York Yankees. His final game in a Yankees uniform will be this Friday, Aug. 12. With his retirement, he will then become an advisor and instructor within the organization.

"I love this game and I love this team and today I say goodbye to both," Rodriguez said breaking into tears, according to Patch.com.

Rodriguez's career includes  696 home runs with 2,084 RBIs, three MVP awards, two Gold Gloves, four Hank Aaron Awards and a whopping 10 Silver Slugger Awards