Sports fans across New England this week watched David Ortiz – the only constant in an ever-changing squad of big-money free agents, scrappy youngsters and bearded chemistry guys – step into the batter’s box for the final time Monday night at Fenway Park in a loss to the Cleveland Indians.

Ted Williams was the only man to do more damage stepping up to the plate for this team.

Ortiz is the most successful member of the Boston Red Sox in nearly a century, winning three World Series championships and helping turn around the fortunes of a snakebitten franchise.

More than eight decades of sorrow disappeared into the autumn air when the lovable DH altered the course of history 12 years ago, leading the Sox back – twice – against the New York Yankees before helping Boston win its first title since 1918.

"A man that changed a mindset of millions and the culture of an entire city," said his former teammate Kevin Youkilis.

Big Papi, as he has been widely known during his 14 years with the club, retired following one of his best statistical seasons.

The ageless wonder finished with a .315 batting average, 38 home runs and 127 RBIs, numbers that rival sluggers in their prime.

Current Sox third baseman Travis Shaw said it was an honor to be his teammate.

"You taught me so much, and I will never forget any of it," Shaw said.

But it was more than what Ortiz did in the batter’s box.

He represented a pleasantness and playfulness that oftentimes is obscured by the grit that is the Boston sports market. He partnered with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski for a series of ads for Dunkin’ Donuts, allowing the region to combine its passions for sports and coffee.

His charity work through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund has saved the lives of more than 500 children in New England and his native Dominican Republic who would not otherwise have access to pediatric services. He was the voice for Boston in the aftermath of the marathon bombings, rising his fist into the air just a few days following the tragedy to remind the world, "Nobody is going to dictate our freedom."

Even the Massachusetts State Police recognized how tall he stood after the bombings, saying he has the "heart of a champion" on Twitter.

Only his character is bigger than his clutch hitting.

Ortiz put Boston on his shoulders, much like he put his team on his shoulders during the 2004, 2007 and 2013 World Series runs. And for that, we will be forever grateful.

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