CC Sabathia, the left-hander who is entering his 19th major league season, formally announced Saturday that he'll be calling it quits at the end of 2019.

"I just wanted to make this announcement that 2019 is my final season," Sabathia said at the start of his news conference at the New York Yankees' spring training complex.

The 38-year-old made his retirement plans official in a room filled with family, friends and teammates. Numerous Yankees who have already reported to spring training were present.