David Ortiz Insists He'll Be Part Of Boston 'Forever,' Even In Retirement

David Ortiz is walking away from the game of baseball, but he’s not walking away from the city of Boston … at least not completely.

The Red Sox designated hitter begins his 20th and final Major League Baseball season next week after announcing before spring training that 2016 would be his final campaign. In what figures to be a season filled with reflection, Ortiz recently spoke to The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham about his decision to retire, his career and his future.

One thing Ortiz made clear was the bond he has developed with Boston and all of New England won’t be severed when he’s no longer wearing No. 34 for the hometown team.

“Life takes different turns, and my life brought me to Boston. I’ll be around there forever,” Ortiz told Abraham when asked whether he’d still be in Boston when his playing days officially end. “It might not be every day, but you’ll see me around there.”

Ortiz also hopes he’ll be able to stick with the organization with which he built his career. The Hall of Fame hopeful told Abraham he’d like to continue his relationship with the Red Sox, perhaps in a role similar to former teammates Jason Varitek and Pedro Martinez.

“I’d like to go back and do some television. I also want to be around the Red Sox and help them out,” Ortiz said of his post-playing plans. “I want to help out the game, the players and this organization. I think I can add something. I have that experience, and you can’t waste that. I know what it’s like to be challenged mentally, and I can help the players who come after me take things to the next level.”

Of course, Ortiz still has plenty of work to do in 2016 before he begins the next chapter of his life and career.