David Ortiz Announces Retirement in Players’ Tribune Video on His 40th Birthday
One day after news broke that he would call it quits after the 2016 season, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz celebrated his 40th birthday Wednesday by formally announcing his retirement in a video on Derek Jeter’s Players’ Tribune, where he is an “editor-at-large.”
“Life is based on different chapters, and I think I’m ready to experience the next one in my life,” Ortiz says in the black-and-white video, titled “40.”
Ortiz, a nine-time All-Star, helped bring three World Series titles to Boston in 2004, 2007, and 2013. Last season saw the Dominican slugger break the 500-home-run threshold, furthering his case for inclusion in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I would like people to remember me as a guy that was just part of the family, you know? A guy that was trying to do the best, not only on the field, but with everyone around him,” Ortiz says. “Baseball isn’t just based on putting up numbers. This is our second family. Whoever is around you on a daily basis is your second family, and I always had good thoughts for everyone around me.”
Ortiz has one year and $16 million remaining on his contract.
“Let’s enjoy next season,” Ortiz says.
