When you think of David Ortiz, you think of all the big moments he’s been a part of as a player. Here’s a list of the first things about Big Papi’s legacy that come to mind when contemplating his illustrious career.
Yankee Killer
Ortiz made a habit of leading comebacks and crushing Yankee dreams. In 2004 he did both and earned his reputation as a player who thrived in the clutch. With the Red Sox down 3-0 in the series, Ortiz led Boston’s comeback and would go on to win the 2004 ALCS MVP against the Yankees.
Oct. 17, 2004-Down to the Yankees 3-0 in the ALCS, Ortiz hit a walk-off two run homer in the bottom of the 12th inning to keep the Red Sox’s playoff hopes alive. (Amy Sancetta/AP)
Ortiz’s 14th inning game-winning single to center after battling Esteban Loaiza for a 10 pitch at bat scored teammate Johnny Damon to beat the New York Yankees 5-4 in Game 5 of the ALCS in Boston was a statement that he arrived. The chant “who’s your Papi” among Red Sox fans started as Ortiz would go on to hit three home runs in the series. (Amy Sancetta/AP)
The Red Sox Record
From 1938-2005, Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx held the Red Sox record for single season home runs, with 50. Midway through 2006, it was apparent Ortiz had a chance at breaking that mark. By the end of July, Ortiz had 37 home runs. Amazingly, Papi broke the record against Minnesota, the franchise that released him more than three years earlier.
Sept 21 2005- . David Ortiz went deep against Johan Santana, one of the elite pitchers in the MLB at that point. Ortiz finished the season with 54 home runs, and his club record still stands. Nanci Foxx Cannaday, the daughter of Jimmie Foxx, honoured Ortiz for his record-setting accomplishment. (Nick Watts/AP)
Big Brawl Swings
Ortiz is known as a happy go lucky guy beloved across the league so it was interesting to see him in the midst of a brawl. With a 3-0 count Ortiz hit a lazy fly ball to center after Gregg brushed him back a couple times. Ortiz trot to first was also lazy which annoyed Gregg and enticed him to scream at Ortiz. Ortiz did his best bob and weave as he dodged a punch and took a swing at Gregg after they exchanged words.
July 8, 2011- Big Papi Big Papi was far from a boxer but he acquitted himself well as team enforcer. (Winslow Townson/AP).
“This is our (bleeping) city”
Call me sentimental, but this is by far my favourite Papi moment. It demonstrated his convictions, his candor, his commitment and connection with the city of Boston. It also showed that at times he lacks the social graces and awareness that sometimes makes pro athletes become politicians. After the Boston Marathon bombings, Ortiz addressed the Fenway crowd before the team’s first game back.
“This is our f&%$ing city and nobody is going to dictate our freedom,” Ortiz said in his impromptu speech. It was equal parts empathetical and inappropriate. The FCC decided not to fine NESN for airing curse words live. In fact, the chairman of the FCC actually tweeted out his support.
April 20, 2013- The visual of the Dominican David Ortiz with a clenched fist in front of an American flag and a line of Boston Marathon volunteers demonstrated how America’s past time still has cultural relevance. (Michael Dwyer/AP)
Phone tag
Who can forget when Ortiz went Rambo on a dugout phone after being tossed for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Tim Timmons. Ortiz wasn’t suspended for the reaction but it was a must-see moment. I love this moment because it was reminder that in a day and age when managers could send a message to the bullpen via text or even be wearing a headset and have constant dialogue, baseball is so old school that they actually pick up the phone and call. It’s something that hardly anyone does in their actual everyday lives. In your everyday life you can’t go crazy at work either.
No photo does it justice, as the video is as absurd as it is funny.
Baltimore Orioles’ Adam Jones, presented David Ortiz with a dugout phone which is the best gift he received on his MLB retirement tour.
September 22 2016- Baltimore Orioles’ Adam Jones, right, presents Boston Red Sox David Ortiz with a dugout phone. (Gail Burton/AP)
Series saving slam
Boston had been no hit up until the ninth inning and shut out by the Detroit in Game 1 of the 2013 ALCS, and ended up losing 1-0. They managed just two hits off Max Scherzer and fell behind, 5-1, with two outs in the eighth of Game 2. Justin Verlander was taking the mound for the Tigers in Game 3. Ortiz changed all that hitting a first pitch fastball for a game-tying grand slam to right-centre field in that sent Torii Hunter Boston’s bullpen unable to run it down.
October 13 2013-Detroit Tigers’ Torii Hunter leaps and misses a catch as Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz hits a grand slam. (Charlie Riedel/AP)
The image of Boston police officer Steve Horgan raising his arms in triumph in the bullpen is iconic. The moment made Horgan a Boston celebrity and added to Ortiz’s clutch legacy.
Andrew Durham, right, photographs Boston police officer Steve Horgan. (Charlie Riedel/AP)
500 club
Needing 34 home runs to get to 500 Ortiz wasn’t a lock to get it done in 2015 at the age of 39. Against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays, he smashed two home runs and took Matt Moore deep to reach 500. It was a necessary milestone in building his case as the first designated hitter to make Cooperstown.
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez, left, hugs Red Sox’s David Ortiz, right, during ceremonies held to honor Ortiz’s 500 home runs. (Steven Senne/AP)
Final Chapter
All these years later and Ortiz still has a flair for the dramatic. Putting everyone on notice that his retirement tour would not be that of a washed-up star receiving gifts, Ortiz started the year of building his late-game heroics resume. In Game 1 Ortiz hit a two-run home run off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Trevor Bauer in the ninth inning that scored Dustin Pedroia. It was his fifth career home run on Opening Day; the most of any active player in baseball and set the tone for what was another productive season in a great career.
April 5 2016- Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz watches his ball after hitting a two-run home run off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Trevor Bauer. (Tony Dejak/AP)
