Joe Nathan signs a one-day contract to retire as a Twin

After 16 years, 923.1 innings, and 377 saves, Joe Nathan is official retired from Major League Baseball.

The Twins held a press conference today at Target Field where Nathan made the official announcement and talked about his career. Also as part of the press conference, the all-time great Twins reliever signed a one day contract to officially retire with the club he was a part of for seven seasons.

Here’s a video clip of Nathan signing the contract and donning a Twins uniform one last time. (WARNING: You might want to grab some tissues.)

“I always knew this is where I wanted to be, this is where I wanted to end my career,” Joe Nathan told reporters. Both Nathan and Twins GM Thad Levine—who knew Nathan from his days with the Texas Rangers—got visibly emotional.

Nathan’s former teammates Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Glen Perkins, and Drew Butera all attended the presser, which made for a great photo. (WARNING: You might want to get some more tissues.)

As for Nathan’s future, there will be a pre-game ceremony for him tonight on the field, and he’ll be throwing out the first pitch (presumably to Mauer). After that, Nathan mentioned he would love to help out the Twins any way that he could, and there was something in the works. Perhaps he’ll spring training instructor? Special assistant? We’ll see.

Congratulations, Joe.