"But I will never forget the image of one old dog at the back of the pack trying to keep up. He had half a leg missing and an ear hanging off from what must have been years of previous battles.
"When he finally arrived at the scene all that was left were scraps... Although I was once both the young dog at the front and the healthy dog in the middle I feel now is the right time to head back to the den.
"I now have the opportunity to do just that and look after all the young dogs coming through. A job I already love and cherish."
Tomlinson added: "...however I would most like to thank the opposition batters who somehow for over a decade missed the straight ones and nicked the half volleys... to you all I will be forever grateful!"
England and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes said: "Typical Tommo! Legend of a bloke! Good luck fella, hope it goes well!" And former international Graeme Swann tweeted that it could be cricket's finest hour when it came to retirement announcements.
Tomlinson has taken more than 400 wickets in various formats for Hampshire since 2002.
