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David Ortiz Doesn’t Plan to Participate in This Year’s Home Run Derby

David Ortiz was the captain of last year's American League Home Run Derby squad that earned a victory at Chase Field, and he's become a staple in the event over the years. Don't expect to see the Red Sox DH taking any cuts at this year's midsummer event, though.

Ortiz told WEEI.com on Wednesday that he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby if asked.

"No, man. Last year was it for me," Ortiz reportedly said. "I can be the captain if they want me again, but I won't participate. I'll just be cheering for the guys."

Ortiz made it to the second round as AL captain last season before Sox teammate Adrian Gonzalez and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano put on a show, with Cano eventually emerging victorious.

Ortiz is no stranger to bringing home the trophy, having won the event in 2010, but last year's contest could be the last we see of him swinging for the fences during the midseason home run contest.

"You can't be 36 to do that," Ortiz told WEEI.com. "There's no 36-year-old who can keep up with that."

Ortiz, who has been in the event five times, reportedly wasn't concerned with the contest altering his swing for the second half of the season, which many have suspected becomes the case with certain participants. Instead, it just seems to be a matter of age.

It would have been fun, but Red Sox fans probably won't be too broken up about it if he keeps producing in the games that count.