News of a David Ortiz retirement came out a little prematurely, because he was planning on announcing the news for his 40th birthday.
Either way, The Player’s Tribune got the exclusive from Big Papi, who explained why he’s hanging up the jersey and what the game has meant to him all these years. He realizes his age is catching up to him and just wants to go out on a good note. If he continues batting like we’ve all come to know, David could move up in the all-time home runs list, past Frank Thomas (521) and even Mickey Mantle (536). He has 503 HR’s in his career right now, so he could potentially move up into the Top 20 if he goes out with a bang.
The Boston Red Sox didn’t live up to expectations last season and the Ortiz farewell tour might be a bit of a distraction if they’re trying to rebound from that.
[Source]