David Ortiz has already begun collecting retirement gifts at spring training
Back in November, David Ortiz announced that he plans to retire following the 2016 season. That effectively makes this season a farewell tour for Big Papi, much like the one Derek Jeter had two years ago.
As a result, Ortiz will go through a lot of "lasts" this year, including his last spring training game. That will come later this week, but Monday marked the final game Ortiz will play at JetBlue Park at Fenway South -- the Red Sox' home in Fort Myers, Fla.
A tip of the cap! #ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/Goabq4hMdE
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
To commemorate Ortiz, the Red Sox held a ceremony for the 40-year-old slugger before their game against the Orioles. The celebration essentially kicked off his gift-receiving run, which will continue throughout the season.
The team not only gave Ortiz his own street at the ballpark, David Ortiz Way, but it sent him home with three keepsakes: seats from all three of the Red Sox' spring training stadiums that he played in.
Gift #1: @davidortiz now has his own road at @FenwaySouth! David Ortiz Way! #ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/0yIRC5tamL
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Each seat has the number @davidortiz wore at that park! #ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/1JeKq8hA4J
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Gift #2: A seat from each park @davidortiz played in during his 20 years in Fort Myers! #ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/FcNfp9nfMm
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
But that's not all. Ortiz also received a Red Sox-themed golf cart, which looks pretty awesome.
Riding off into the sunset after his final @FenwaySouth at bat! #ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/4zQijbDcov
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
A closer look at Gift #3!#ThanksPapi ? pic.twitter.com/Pn3RVu98x4
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Ortiz is certain to receive several gifts from teams around the league, though probably not to the level that Jeter collected them. After 19 years in the majors and 503 career home runs, opposing squads will pay tribute to the man they call Big Papi. This is just the beginning.