David Ortiz Announces Retirement on YouTube

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz confirmed what many people were already talking about in a video posted to YouTube Wednesday, courtesy of The Players' Tribune

One of Boston's most beloved athletes has announced he will be retiring after the 2016 season.

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, on his 40th birthday, confirmed what many people were already talking about in a video posted to YouTube Wednesday, courtesy of The Players' Tribune.

"I thought a lot about it and, you know, for every single one of us, athletes-wise... we run out of time at some point and life is based on different chapter and I think I'm ready to experience the next one in my life," Ortiz said in the video. "I picked this day to announce that after the next season, I'm going to be done with my career."

Nicknamed "Big Papi," Ortiz will leave the game a three-time World Series champion, at least, and holder of the Red Sox single-season record for home runs. The Red Sox designated hitter is also a nine-time All-Star.

"I would like people to remember me as a guy that was just part of the family, you know?" he said. "A guy that was trying to do the best, not only on the field, but with everyone around him."

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"It is difficult to adequately convey what David Ortiz has meant to the Boston Red Sox," says Principal Owner John Henry. 

"David's first home run in a Red Sox uniform set the tone for the rest of his career," says Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. It was a go-ahead pinch-hit home run in the top of the 14th inning against the Angels. In that summer of 2003, David became the best slugger in all of baseball and carried the team on his back for the last three months of the season - a trend we would come to see time and again throughout his career. He has been in a Red Sox uniform nearly as long as we have been here, and he has been integral in all of the successes that we have all experienced."

"David Ortiz transcends numbers, home runs, and wins," says Red Sox President Sam Kennedy. He is one of the game's greatest players - and greatest champions - and he has been there for the city of Boston through thick and thin every step of the way. He has been a pillar of our team and a pillar of our city."

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