Statement from Joe Torre, MLB'S chief baseball officer and manager of the Yankees from 1996-2007:
"Alex was a hard worker, a genuine fan of the game and possessed great ability. In our time together, I always knew that the game mattered to him. Baseball teaches all of us at some point, and I think he should be proud of the way he carried himself these last two years. I wish Alex and his family all the best in the future."
Derek Jeter:
"I've spent 22 years playing against, playing with and watching Alex from afar, and there are two things that stand out to me the most: the conversations we had when we were young -- hoping for the opportunity to play at the Major League level and then somehow finding a way to stick around -- and the championship we won together in 2009. That was a season everyone on that team can cherish.
"What people don't realize is how much time, effort and work that Alex put in on a daily basis. He lives and breathes baseball. I know it will be difficult for him to not be on the field, but I'm sure he will continue to give back to the game. Congrats, Alex."
Andy Pettitte:
"I had a chance to see Alex as a young player in the league, and I knew immediately he was going to be special. It was always fun competing against Alex, but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play side-by-side with him in New York. He was a big reason we were able to win the 2009 World Series. I wish Alex and his family nothing but the best moving forward."
Jorge Posada:
"Alex was not only one of the best players in the world, he was also one of the smartest players on the field. It was such a great combination. Please go have fun and enjoy your family -- you are an awesome dad. I'm very proud of you."
Mariano Rivera:
"It was a privilege to play with Alex. Through his preparation and work ethic, you saw how much he cared about this game and about helping this team win. I love him -- as a friend and as a teammate. He was all you could ask for in both."
Robinson Canó:
"He's one of the best players who ever played. He's a guy who worked hard. I've never seen a guy who worked harder than him.
"There's three things that I can say. He loves baseball, he's a guy who works hard and a guy who loved to win. He was a great teammate. For me, he was one of the best teammates I've had and a guy who helped me when I first came up, and I appreciate all of the things he's done for me."