The documentary of David Ortiz’s retirement season likely will make you sad before Big Papi even takes his first at-bat of 2016.
The Boston Red Sox designated hitter joined forces with ESPN Films to document his 20th and final year in Major League Baseball, and the first chapter starts off with Ortiz’s arrival at spring training. Ortiz explains that his decision to hang ’em up was more mental than physical.
“It’s not all about being good physically,” Ortiz said. “The mental part of the game I think is even more important. You need to have your mind right to be able to play this game. And let me tell you, it’s just not easy. It’s not an easy thing to do. At some point it kind of catches up with you.”
Red Sox fans certainly will be emotional when Ortiz’s final regular season wraps up Oct. 2 at Fenway Park, but Papi is trying to remain positive to start spring training.
“I know I’m going to get emotional through the season, so I’m kind of saving it,” Ortiz said.
