Thank you, David Ortiz.

"The Comeback" in 2004 was the biggest high I have ever felt while watching sports. I'm not sure it will ever be topped for me, or if it even could be topped. That the 2013 season came close speaks to how magical that season was. The 2007 season is often viewed as the lesser of the three titles, but it was magical in its own way: Manny hitting the walk off in Game 2 of the ALDS, J.D.'s grand slam, Beckett's dominance, and Okajima and Papelbon at the back end. It's not a stretch to say that none of these championships happen without Big Papi, and we would be nearing the century mark of years without a title.

Thank you, Big Papi, for the last 14 years. The memories of these three titles will live with me for the rest of my life.

To me, literally, David Ortiz was the messiah that Red Sox had waited 86 years for. He wouldn't allow the Red Sox to lose in 2004 and he wouldn't allow them to lose their opportunity in 2013. In between he mashed HRs, many of them clutch, at a furious pace, actually got better with age, and gave two of the greatest speeches a player has ever given, both in 2013, with one inspiring a region, and the other inspiring his team during a World Series game.

He cared about the fans, too, which is huge.

It's no wonder his number is being retired immediately. When he gets into the HOF, and I'm glad Manfred spoke up for him, instead of retiring his number, I'm sure he'll be getting a statue at Fenway Park. I'm not sure what else will be left to honor him, but whatever it is, I hope they'll do it. Maybe Fenway Park will get renamed Big Papi Park?

I will miss this guy very much.

During my years of fandom, I worshipped Carl Yastrzemski, although I only caught the last four years of his career. I had an appreciation for Dwight Evans. I was a big Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens fan (hey I grew up in the 80s). I enjoyed Nomar and Big Mo. Bruce Hurst and John Valentin were favorites of mine.

I became a huge Pedro Martinez fan, and finally David Ortiz took me from "why did they sign this guy?" to he's my favorite of all-time. I hope I see plenty of David Ortiz sightings at the ballpark next year, and in the future. I'd hate to think what it will be like without him. Certainly not as much fun, and if the Red Sox take a while to win the Series we'll keep hearing that the Red Sox haven't won a Big Papi-less World Series since 1918, which makes me so grateful and thankful we got to watch this great player play. I'm already counting down the days until his 2022 induction ceremony - and yeah, I think that he might now actually get in on his first ballot, and if not, I think he would in 2023.

If you think about it for a moment, just about the most valuable thing one can "give" to another is one's time. When we decide to play golf, ride a bike, mow the lawn, work on our tax returns or watch a baseball game we are investing a portion of our time in that activity.

David Ortiz made the investment of my time watching Red Sox games so very rewarding. He was a joy to watch. A large man playing a little boy's game at such a high level, with such sheer joy in his own playing of the game. He made watching baseball fun. I regularly gave David Ortiz and his Red Sox teams my time. I am so glad to have been able to do that. I am so glad to have been a fan of this wonderful player. I will miss watching him at his craft.

I only caught the end of the career of Williams, I saw the entire Yaz years thru the magical 67 season, the 75 season and the 78 season all of which ended in a loss. Then along came this big fellow from the Dominican on the recommendation of Pedro and our entire life as Red Sox fans changed. His exploits whether they be talks, homers or winning base hits are well known. But what makes him even more special to me is his passion, whether it was his desire to win or to right a wrong. I can't imagine many doing what he did following the Marathon bombing. His love of children and the many who have been saved through his charity exemplify this. As he stood on the mound in tears following the Sox elimination, I, in Nova Scotia, thought how fortunate I have been to live through the greatest time in history to be a Sox fan. To realize so many fans of the team never lived to see the huge man with the soft heart lead his team to three World Championships make me recognize how fortunate we all have been to be a part of this. Thanks David for the memories and magical breathtaking moments that we will never forget.

The soon to be Hall of Famer. The definition of a slugger. The captain of high dramitics. The all-time homerun leader in Red Sox history. Yes, the most important Red Sox player ever.

David Ortiz.

I have a 13-14 year old T-Shirt with his name on the back that has about 15 holes in the front of it. I'll never throw it away.

My second favorite Sox player all-time to Pedro Martinez. My favorite Sox player to ever see retire in my lifetime in a Sox uniform.

The most incredible homerun I have and will ever see is the bottom of the 8th 2 out game tying grand slam in the 2013 ALCS. Kids only dream about even coming to the plate in that kind of moment. David Ortiz lived it.

Truly, David. I really don't even know how to thank you. Maybe I'll bow at your statue someday. You earned that. I'll never forget you.

#34Legend

I can still remember driving to school and my friend and I listening on the radio to this guy hitting clutch homeruns late in the season in 03. During my Homecoming I was more involved in the texts of "Ortiz just walked off against the Angels!" And my girlfriend at the time sending me updates on game 5 of the ALCS in 04.

Memories are irreplaceable, but what really makes me grateful was the phone calls I got from my Dad, Uncle and Grandfather in November '04. All pretty much the same conversation. A conversation that never happens without Papi. A true embassador to the game and IMO a surefire Hall of Fame player, and man

Thanks David!