David Ortiz plans to retire after 2016 season

On Tuesday afternoon, Boston Red Sox designated hitter and 19-year MLB veteran David Ortiz announced that the 2016 season, his 20th, will be the final curtain to his storied career.

Given the nickname "Big Papi" over the years, Ortiz has been a member of the Red Sox organization since 2003, and in the last 12 years has undoubtedly carved his name as not only one of the greatest Red Sox of all-time, but one of the best power and clutch hitters in the history of MLB.

After six unspectacular seasons with the Minnesota Twins to start his career, Ortiz was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox on January, 22, 2003 — a move that proved to turn the entire franchise around.

Papi's presence in the Boston lineup immediately reverberated through the clubhouse, organization, and eventually the rest of the entire fan base. Slotting as the No. 3 hitter in front of Manny Ramirez, Ortiz's career finally took off, and he would go on to surpass Edgar Martinez as the best hitting DH of this generation (and in history).

Ortiz made nine All-Star teams (all with Boston), won six Silver Sluggers, and finished top five in the AL MVP voting five times (runner-up in 2005); those accolades pale in comparison to what Ortiz will truly be remembered for: helping bringing three World Series Championships to the organization that was starved 86 years for one. The Red Sox won the Fall Classic in 2004, 2007 and 2013, which included Papi winning the 2004 ALCS MVP and 2013 World series MVP.

Ortiz's career numbers as of now are terrific. His slash line is: .284/.378/.547 with 503 home runs. He is one of the most beloved athletes in Boston's history, and is easily a future Hall of Famer.

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