David Ortiz officially is hanging them up after 20 long years.
The Boston Red Sox designated hitter announced Wednesday, on his 40th birthday, that he’s retiring after the 2016 season. Ortiz made a video for The Players’ Tribune to break the news, one day after reports of his plans leaked.
“I thought a lot about it, and for every single one of us, athletes-wise, we run out of time at some point,” Ortiz said. “Life is based on different chapters, and I think I’m ready to experience the next one in my life.”
Ortiz said he hopes once he leaves Major League Baseball for good, he’s remembered as more than just an incredible player.
“I would like people to remember me as a guy that was just part of the family,” Ortiz said. “A guy that was trying to do the best, not only on the field, but with everyone around him.
“Baseball is not just based on putting up numbers. This is our second family. Whoever is around you on a daily basis is like a second family, and I always had good thoughts for everyone around me.”
This decision certainly wasn’t easy for Ortiz, either, as he wishes he could keep playing.
“I’m really proud of what I had accomplished through the years,” Ortiz said. “I’m very thankful for having fans like you guys who have support me through my career. I wish I could play another 40 years.”
You can hear Big Papi’s announcement in the video below.
