David Ortiz

As David Ortiz begins the last season of his illustrious career, the Boston Red Sox made sure his final home opener was a day to remember.

Little did Big Papi know, the pregame festivities would be a special moment not just for him but his whole family.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Price will be the third Opening Day starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in the past three seasons Monday in Cleveland.

Boston hopes Price will be the man for that job for the next seven years, and his biggest fan on the 2016 team may be one of his biggest former enemies, David Ortiz.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Once more around the block with David Ortiz, then the retirement papers take effect after the 2016 season and it's off to Legendville. What a ride it's been, fabulous and funny, dramatic and dynamic.

The Minnesota Twins acquired him in September 1996, literally as a player to be named later for third baseman Dave Hollins.

If you're not a fan of bat-flipping, don't tell that to David Ortiz.

The Boston Red Sox slugger has been known to flip his bat after hitting a home run throughout his 20-year career, and he is not a fan of the chatter that occurs when talking about showmanship at the plate.

The 2016 season will be the last in the legendary career of Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.

Fans will remember him for bringing three World Series championships to Boston, but some forget that Big Papi started his career with the Minnesota Twins. And in some ways, Ortiz doesn't want to remember his time in Minnesota, either.

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are involved in one of the best rivalries in all of sports, so it's not often that either fanbase would ever show the opposition any love.

However, when an iconic player decides to hang up his cleats, it is acceptable for fans to give a rival a standing ovation. And that's exactly what Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz is hoping will happen in the Bronx this season.

At the end of 2016, Hub fans will finally bid adieu to Big Papi. And also, welcome his heir.

Managers love to talk about the flexibility of not having a full-time designated hitter. They can use the spot to give players rest, giving them in effect a half-day off. They can keep guys in the lineup when a minor injury may keep them from effectively playing in the field.

It's all true and it's all great, but there's a much better way to build an American League team:

Have a DH like David Ortiz.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz officially announced Wednesday he's planning to retire from baseball following the 2016 season.

He made it official in a video for The Players' Tribune:

Feliz cumpleanos, Big Papi.