Sep 9, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz leaves the field after throwing out the first pitch before the game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
No one could have seen it coming — in 2002, when the Minnesota Twins cut a 27-year-old David Ortiz, no one could have predicted he would become a generational talent, the face of the Boston Red Sox.
All season, fans have reflected on his brilliant career. Now that he has stepped out of the batter's box and adjusted his gloves for the last time, his number set to be retired, we look back fondly at the legend of Big Papi.
His 14 years in Boston were superb. He helped lead the team to its first World Series victory in 86 years. Then another ... and another. He represented the Red Sox in 10 All-Star Games; he took ownership of the team's single-season home run record with 54 in 2006. Fans cheered on as he hit his 500th home run. "This is our [expletive] city," he bellowed to his emotionally raw adopted hometown after an arrest was made in the Boston Marathon bombings, further cementing his place in our culture.
Below, you'll see some of Big Papi's biggest moments. You'll hear about him in his own words. You'll see how profound his later years have been, and why he may or may not end up in the Hall of Fame. And some of his fans will tell you just how much he has meant to them.
CONTENT GOES HERE
#ThanksPapi
NOTABLE MOMENTS
David Ortiz is a truly elite baseball player. But he is just as dynamic of a character. Big Papi spent years electrifying Red Sox fans — here are a few of his most notable moments.
When you're one of the best power bats in baseball, and you spend parts of 20 seasons in the major leagues, you're bound to have a milestone hit or two. Watch some of David Ortiz's most meaningful hits.
Sometime between winning his second and third World Series rings with the Red Sox, the story of David Ortiz appeared to be coming to a sad end. Then came a long renaissance, during which his individual and team accomplishments mirrored those of his past. Did Big Papi actually get better with age? >>>HERE'S AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT PAPI'S LATER YEARS
Looking exclusively at his offensive numbers, David Ortiz is a clear-cut Hall of Famer. But factoring in voters' records with designated hitters and questions regarding a 2003 PED survey makes his chances murkier. >>>HERE'S A FULL ANALYSIS OF HIS HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS
The days leading up to Big Papi's last at bat were filled with tributes, including custom cleats, plans to name a bridge in honor of him, tv advertisements, a shark sighting, and too many photos and tweets to count.>>>HERE'S A LOOK AT THE ADULATION
Katie Dorren
"Circa 2008. I'm going to miss watching Big Papi play. He's the best! His passion, his heart and his talent will be missed."
Chris Barrette
"Kellen and Chase from Sandwich wearing Ortiz backpacks at Fenway! Honoring the greatest player!"
Diana Marshall
"I went thru my archives and these are my only Ortiz pictures from May 1 2014."
Joe Crowley
"Last night's Red Sox game against White Sox. David didn't do too well last night but special game for my 13-year-old daughter I won the tickets on WEEI and spent the evening with [Glenn] Ordway, [Lou] Merloni and [Christian] Fauria."
Louann Santos
"I actually have a really good story of David Ortiz from when I met him at a meet and greet at work back in August of 2005. It was a private event through my old job. My grandfather had just passed away and he was a huge Red Sox fan. I decided to bring something with me that was my grandfather's in hopes that I'd be able to give it to David. When it was my turn to sit down at the table with David for my autograph I decided that would be my opportunity. I pulled out the cross and told David that my grandfather had just passed away and would be honored if David had the cross. I will never forget the look on David's face and the big bear hug that he gave me. I shed a few tears. I will NEVER forget that moment! I'm SURE my grandfather was smiling down from Heaven! David Ortiz is humble and kind! He is a people person, who obviously loves his fans as much as we love and adore HIM! My dad is also a huge David Ortiz fan and was recently diagnosed with a very rare form of Parkinson's disease called multiple system atrophy. It's aggressive. Needless to say I try to soak in anything Red Sox and Patriots related with my dad for as long as we have him. When dad heard David was retiring it made him very sad! I told him that one day we will get dad the chance to meet him after he retires, and that is now officially on my bucket list for dad. Thank you David for being the person that you are! We all love and adore you very much!!!"
Peggy Farren
"I put this flag at the makeshift Marathon Bombing Memorial on the afternoon that David Ortiz said, 'this is our (bleeping) city.' I remember thinking that he spoke for all Bostonians that day. When I went back weeks later, it was re-positioned to a more visible spot. "
Rik D
"We have enjoyed 'Big Papi' David Ortiz's stellar career for all the years he has been with the Red Sox. When he would hit a home run, we'd yell 'YAY Papi!' - our excited cocker spaniel whom we called most often 'Puppy' would think we were praising him and bark enthusiastically! On a trip to Cape Ann, my interest in ancient New England led me to explore the oldest lobster shack in Rockport. I was surprised to find inside a kind of shrine to 'Big Papi' among the lobster buoys hung on the wall amidst the old timber framing. David Ortiz has become an enduring character - part of our New England history!"
Susan Farb
From June 2014
