NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte believes his body can handle the grind of the 2011 Yankees season, but his heart just isn't into it.

That is one of the many reasons Pettitte cited in announcing his retirement during a 45-minute news conference at Yankee Stadium on Friday morning.

"It just didn't feel right for me anymore. I didn't have the hunger, the drive that I felt like I needed," Pettitte said with his wife, Laura, seated by his side.

Pettitte struggled with his decision for the entire offseason and thought as recently as two weeks ago that he would pitch in 2011.

But as the Feb. 14 report date for pitchers and catchers drew closer, the 38-year-old left-hander realized that he couldn't commit to playing a 17th season in the major leagues, choosing instead to spend time with his wife and children in Deer Park, Texas.

"I know that my body would get to where it needs to be, but my heart's not where it needs to be," he said.

Pettitte compiled a 240-138 record and a 3.88 ERA in 13 seasons with the Yankees and three with the Houston Astros. He is a three-time All-Star, a two-time 20-game winner and a member of five Yankees world championship teams. He also appeared in two other World Series with the Yankees and one with the Astros. His 19 postseason wins, 42 postseason starts and 263 postseason innings pitched are the most in baseball history.

Pettitte said on Friday that he would cherish the World Series wins and his relationships with his teammates most when he looks back on his playing days.

He also said that he would sit out for the entire 2011 season, but left open the possibility of returning to the mound in the future.

"I can tell you one thing: I am not going to play this season. I can tell you that 100 percent," he said. "But I guess you can never say never."