NEW YORK -- Ken Singleton will work his final game behind a YES Network microphone on Sunday afternoon, marking the end of an era in the Yankees’ broadcast booth.

The former big league outfielder has been a mainstay on Yankees broadcasts for more than two decades, beginning with the MSG Network in 1997, where he split his time providing play-by-play and commentary. The 74-year-old Singleton is concluding his 18th season as an analyst for YES.

“You’ve got to stop sometime,” Singleton told MLB.com earlier this year. “I’ve got three grandkids that are fantastic, and they’re all playing sports and they’re all really good. That really tugs at me, to watch them play. I don’t like missing that and I don’t know how many years I have left, so I want to take advantage of watching the kids play.”

Singleton, who opened his emotional fourth-inning remarks by thanking the late George M. Steinbrenner III for his opportunity to broadcast Yankees games, has won eight New York Emmy Awards during his YES tenure.

“He is simply a wonderful man,” Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay wrote on Twitter. “Kind, giving and the ultimate gentleman. My eyes are watery as I write this. I wish him nothing but love, but I will miss working with him so much.”

Singleton has previously discussed retirement, only to be wooed back on three separate occasions by John J. Filipelli, the YES Network’s president of production/programming, who agreed to reduce Singleton’s schedule. Singleton said that his decision to retire is final.

“I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it,” Singleton said. “But the time has come to stop.”

Born in Manhattan and raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y, Singleton was a three-time All-Star over a 15-year playing career with the Mets (1970-71), Expos (1972-74) and Orioles (1975-84) that included a World Series championship with Baltimore in 1983.

“I just wanted to say, thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart to all of you,” Singleton said. "I’ve been involved with baseball since I was 4 years old, but now it’s time to move on."