Red Sox slugger Ortiz confirms 2016 season will be his last
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz tosses the bat as he watches the flight of his three-run home run in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park, Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Boston. Ortiz homered twice and drove in a career-high seven runs to lead the Red Sox to an 11-1 victory. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz confirmed Wednesday â his 40th birthday -- that the 2016 season will be his last in the majors.
Ortiz made the announcement with a brief written message and an accompanying video on The Players' Tribune. The text reads: "I want to share this with you today on my 40th birthday, because I want the focus this season to be on the team and bringing a championship back to the city of Boston. Thanks to everyone for the support, and see you in Spring Training."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In the video, Ortiz says he is ready to begin the next chapter in his life, expressed his gratitude for the game of baseball and thanked all the fans.
"I wish I could play another 40 years ... but it doesn't work that way," Ortiz adds with a chuckle.
Ortiz has spent 13 of his 19 major-league seasons with the Red Sox, winning World Series titles with Boston in 2004, 2007 and 2013. He was named the 2013 World Series MVP and is a nine-time All-Star. This past season, he became the 27th member of the 500-home run club.