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David Ortiz and the stress about his upcoming retirement from baseball

By Michael Whitlow

Jun 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) applauds after he singled against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) applauds after he singled against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz joined the likes of Kobe Bryant and Derek Jeter in announcing his retirement before his final season. Despite having one of his best seasons this year, it’s been a struggle for the 40-year-old.

Major League Baseball is going to look different when David Ortiz officially hangs up his cleats at the end of the 2016 season.

Ortiz announced before the season began that he will retire after the season concludes, which resembled the same type of announcement long-time rival Derek Jeter made prior to the 2014 season.

With the All-Star Game on the horizon for MLB, Ortiz appears to be on his way to an All-Star Game appearance in his final season. The three-time World Series champion is hitting a career-high .342 in 62 games with 18 home runs and 59 runs batted in for the Red Sox.

Despite the awesome start to the year, Ortiz has been under a great amount of stress.

In an interview with Marly Rivera of ESPN Deportes, Ortiz revealed that it hasn’t been easy in his final season.

"“I’m too busy. I have too many things to do. I barely have time to do anything. It’s very difficult for me. If I had even imagined that it would be so difficult, I wouldn’t have announced anything. There are too many people I have to pay attention to, and on top of that I have to prepare for a game.”"

He’s on pace for the best season of his career, but it hasn’t been easy for the soon-to-be 10-time All-Star and future member for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"“Everything hurts,” he said. “It even hurts to think. Last time I reached second after a double, I almost called for a timeout so they would get me out of the game. I can barely run because my feet hurt so much. I am in severe pain.“One often tries to live in the moment and even when your body is saying no, you say yes, even when your body says not to. Only mental strength convinces you that you can continue. Mental strength tells you that you can keep it at it. But the body is a machine; it will give out and will send you a bill.”"

2016 will finish with Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant and David Ortiz all facing life after playing professional sports.

That’s going to take some adjusting from everyone, including Ortiz.

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