Boston Red Sox Did More than Pass the Torch

David Ortiz shows he has plenty in the tank.

Typically, when a player announces that he will retire at the end of the season, it is because they are on their last legs. That final season is usually a disappointment, as that legend goes out as a shadow of himself. However, someone forgot to tell David Ortiz about the way that legends are supposed to exit.

Instead of fading away, the Boston Red Sox designated hitter went out with one of his best seasons, let alone one of the greatest final seasons ever by a player in the MLB. He had the third highest OPS+ of his career, while producing an incredible .315/.401/.620 batting line with 38 home runs. Oritz led the American League with 48 doubles, 127 RBI, and 15 intentional walks, while also leading the league in slugging and OPS.

Even though it seemed like Ortiz could continue playing beyond this season, his feet just could not take any longer. The Boston legend was “playing on stumps” by the end of the season, as he had been dealing with foot injuries since 2013. Those ailments affected his bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and skin, making his incredible season all the more remarkable.

Ortiz would push himself, forcing his way in the lineup when he likely should have had the day off. Feeling obligated to perform in front of the fans one last time, he played at a level that would be truly remarkable for any player his age, let alone one who could barely move.

David Ortiz made an impressive impact upon the Red Sox during his time in Boston. His final season will be the standard against which all other farewell tours will be matched up against.