David Ortiz regrets making retirement announcement

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz wishes he had held off on his retirement announcement because of the distractions he has faced during the season.

Ortiz said his final season has evolved into a farewell tour similar to what Derek Jeter and Kobe Bryant experienced recently, and the extra attention has impacted the 40-year-old's preparation for games.

"I'm too busy. I have too many things to do. I barely have time to do anything," Ortiz told ESPN Deportes. "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."

Ortiz doesn't regret, though, his decision to retire at the end of the season because of the pain he constantly experiences in his feet.

"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 at it. But the body is a machine; it will give out and will send you a bill."

Despite the pain, Ortiz is still playing well at age 40. In fact, he is having arguably one of his best seasons.

Ortiz leads the major leagues in extra-base hits with 48, doubles with 29, slugging percentage (.729) and OPS (1.133). He is batting .342 with 18 home runs and 59 RBIs.

"I would love to play a couple more years because this is what I know, and this is what I like to do and you see how people treat me," Ortiz said. "But, unfortunately, when your body tells you it's enough, it's enough. You have no idea the magic I have to do to play ball every day. Well, actually it's not magic, it's work.

"Magicians do a trick and only fool you for a little while until you figure it out. It's work; working hard in the cage every day. Hard work is the only thing that gives you consistency in this game. Nothing else."