BOSTON — It seems impossible to fathom, but David Ortiz’s playing days officially are over.
The Cleveland Indians made sure of that Monday night at Fenway Park, defeating the Boston Red Sox 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep in the American League Division Series and thus end Ortiz’s 20-year major league career.
In typical Big Papi fashion, Ortiz went out in style, returning to the field well after the game had ended to salute the Fenway Faithful. It was an iconic moment for the 40-year-old slugger, and news of his final farewell spread across the internet.
While his teammates showed their gratitude for Ortiz in the clubhouse after the game, the rest of the sports world took to Twitter to thank Big Papi for one heck of a career.
Well done compadre, well done. Bien hecho compadre, bien hecho. 💪🏻🇺🇸🇩🇴⚾️ https://t.co/ayXvFB7TeQ
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 11, 2016
"Thank you teaching me how to hit bombs all the time"-My son.
It was an honor to be your teammate. #ThanksPapi pic.twitter.com/z8EE2r8aUn— Bryan Holaday (@jbholaday) October 11, 2016
It was an honor to play the last 2 years with u @davidortiz ! A career, teammate, and person everyone strives to be! #ThankYou @RedSox
— Blake Aubry Swihart (@BLAKESWIHART_1) October 11, 2016
@davidortiz congrats on a HoF career on and off the field my friend! God Bless you and Tiff moving forward! Btw get little mannys hair cut!
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) October 11, 2016
Thank you @davidortiz for making us smile, laugh & cry @IntentionalTalk. You're @KMillar15's bro, but always made me feel welcome #class act pic.twitter.com/r8R2MtY6fd
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) October 11, 2016
@davidortiz thank u 4 all the great memories my man! We all love u for being Big Papi but we truly love u for having such Big Heart! #Legend
— Troy Brown (@RealTroyBrown80) October 11, 2016
The best clutch hitter I ever played against. Congrats on an amazing career. #ThanksPapi https://t.co/WNrmYbmOjO
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) October 11, 2016
#ThanksPapi My active career homers against just went down 😳
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) October 11, 2016
Such a joy to cheer for. Thank you @davidortiz for sharing your dedication, leadership and personality💪🏼 https://t.co/nTyF31sjsM
— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) October 11, 2016
Congrats @davidortiz on a unbelievable career. Glad I got to be a part of Boston with you. pic.twitter.com/rtwOcGZmEI
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) October 11, 2016
My dad always told me Red Sox would lose, somehow, someway.
I always tell my kids the Sox have a chance.
David Ortiz did that for Boston.
— Vinnie P. (@VinP27) October 11, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
