Ortiz: I could've been working for NASA with what I know now

David Ortiz's slash line is out of this world in his final MLB season, but if he had the ability to traverse time, he probably would be too.

The Boston Red Sox slugger has plied his trade for 20 years in the big leagues - meaning he's spent literally half his life crushing baseballs - but if he was equipped in his early days with the abundance of knowledge he has now, not even the sky would hold him down.

"If I had the mentality I have now 20 years ago, who knows, I might be working for NASA," he told reporters Tuesday. "Experience goes a long way."

Ortiz has been carving up opposing pitching in his age-40 season, batting .317/.403/.630, smacking a MLB-leading 47 doubles, and setting home run records that veterans may not touch again for a while.

Though he's produced some of the best offense of his career in 2016, the retiring veteran has struggled with pain in his heels and required medication to ease the discomfort. It's because of those aches he's remaining firm on his decision to call it quits after this season.

"Every year gets worse," he said. "I've got to put a lot of effort and a lot of work to perform at my highest level. At some point it wears you out. ... I love this game. It's been my everything - but not forever."