Watch: David Ortiz's 14 most memorable moments
David Ortiz, a key figure in the Boston Red Sox's three World Series championships, will retire at the end of the 2016 season, with an announcement expected Wednesday.
Known as Big Papi, the designated hitter played 20 major league seasons – 14 with the Red Sox – and slugged 504 home runs and counting.
From his clutch postseason hitting to his f-bomb heard ‘round the world, Ortiz leaves a rich legacy in New England. A look back at some of his greatest moments, in order by date:
David Ortiz retiring after 2016 season
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April 5, 2016: In his final Opening Day game of his career, David Ortiz hits a two-run home run off Trevor Bauer of the Cleveland Indians. It was his fifth career home run on Opening Day -- the most of any active player -- and 504th, tying Eddie Murray for 26th all time.
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April 27, 2003: As a pinch hitter, David Ortiz hits his first home run in a Red Sox uniform, a go-ahead, 14th-inning home run off the Anaheim Angels' Mickey Callaway. By June, he becomes the club's full-time designated hitter.
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July 26, 2003: In what would be the beginning of many clutch hits, Ortiz hits his first walk-off home run with Boston, off the Yankees' Mike Mussina.
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Oct. 5, 2003: Facing elimination, with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Athletics in Game 4 of the ALDS, Ortiz rips a double that plates two runs and gives the Red Sox a 5-4 lead that stands. They won the series in five games.
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Oct. 8, 2004: Ortiz sends the Red Sox to the ALCS with a walk-off home run against the Angels.
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Oct. 17, 2004: Trailing the Yankees 3-0 in the ALCS, Ortiz hits a walk-off two run homer in the bottom of the 12th inning to keep the Red Sox's playoff hopes alive.
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Oct. 18, 2004: Trailing the Yankees 3-1 in the ALCS, Ortiz notches his second consecutive walk-off hit against the Yankees in the bottom of the 14th inning.
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Oct. 20, 2004: Ortiz crushes a two-run home run in Game 7 of the ALCS to give the Red Sox a 2-0 lead in the first inning en route to a 10-3 victory and a trip to the World Series for the first time since 1986. The Red Sox became the first team in postseason history to win a best-of-seven series after trailing 3-0.
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Sept. 21, 2006: Ortiz sets a franchise single-season record by hitting his 51st home run off Johan Santana of the Twins. He would go on to hit 54.
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Oct. 28, 2007: Ortiz bats .333 as the Red Sox sweep the Rockies for their second World Series championship in four seasons.
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April 20, 2013: Ortiz rallies an emotional Fenway Park crowd five days after the Boston Marathon bombings killed three and injured 264.
“All right, Boston,” Ortiz told the crowd. “This jersey that we wear today, it doesn’t say ‘Red Sox.’ It say ‘Boston.’
“We want to thank you, Mayor Menino, Governor Patrick, the whole police department for the great job that they did this past week. This is our (bleeping) city, and nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong. Thank you.”
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Oct. 13, 2013: In danger of falling behind 2-0 to the Tigers in the ALCS, Ortiz’s eighth-inning grand slam ties the game as the Red Sox rally to win in walk-off fashion in the ninth inning.
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Oct. 27, 2013: In Game 4 of the World Series against the Cardinals, Ortiz has a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a two doubles. The Red Sox would go on to beat the Cardinals to win their third championship in 10 years and Ortiz - who batted .688 (11 for 16) - was named Series MVP.
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Sept. 12, 2015: Ortiz hits his 500th career home run, becoming the 27th member to reach that mark.
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GALLERY: Highlights from David Ortiz's career
