Well when the Sox play the DR next season, they should absolutely have a pre-game ceremony and spare no expense.
David Ortiz will retire at end of 2016 season.
- Thread starter soxhop411
- Start date
I'll be honest - my first reaction when we signed him was "Jeez, how many damn first baseman/dh's do they need"? Now I can't believe I won't be making sure I don't leave the room every time he comes to the plate. The man has, of course, hit some of the biggest home runs in Red Sox/baseball history, but to me, none was bigger than the one I listed as the 3rd greatest personal moment I ever witnessed at Fenway, when he hit one out to win a routine July regular season game against the A's, which just happened to be the first one I ever brought my son to. Thanks big man, clap and point.
July 30, 2009 - Big Papi Hits One For Kevin - This was my first visit to Fenway with my oldest son, Kevin. The day was perfect and the Red Sox were taking on the A's. Now, one of the players in the A's lineup that day was Nomar Garciaparra - and this was important because, since Kevin was about a week old, he had been in possession of "Nomar Garciabearra" a by now off-white teddy bear that represented his first favorite Sox player, and despite his departure, he was still Nomar, still special. Now, at the advanced age of 8, Kevin didn't sleep with Garciabearra anymore, but he still had a place of honor in his room, and it was cool to see Nomar play in person, even if it was in the wrong uniform. Nomar didn't just play that day - he had three hits and scored a run as the A's ran out to a 5-3 lead. As the game entered the late innings, with the horrible prospect of the Sox losing Kevin's first game (and since we live 2,500 miles away it's tough to get back too often), the day was saved by both of our current favorite player - David Ortiz, who hit a three run homer in the bottom of the 7th to put the Red Sox ahead for good en route to an 8-5 win. And this wasn't just a home run - it was one of those moonshots, where you can have a conversation while the ball is in the air. I can still hear Kevin's "WOW!" as we watched the ball soar towards the bleachers, impossibly high, impossibly far away. With my 2 nieces there, visits from Wally on the cards, a bit of perfect weather, and good seats this was altogether one of my best days at Fenway. See the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200907300.shtml
July 30, 2009 - Big Papi Hits One For Kevin - This was my first visit to Fenway with my oldest son, Kevin. The day was perfect and the Red Sox were taking on the A's. Now, one of the players in the A's lineup that day was Nomar Garciaparra - and this was important because, since Kevin was about a week old, he had been in possession of "Nomar Garciabearra" a by now off-white teddy bear that represented his first favorite Sox player, and despite his departure, he was still Nomar, still special. Now, at the advanced age of 8, Kevin didn't sleep with Garciabearra anymore, but he still had a place of honor in his room, and it was cool to see Nomar play in person, even if it was in the wrong uniform. Nomar didn't just play that day - he had three hits and scored a run as the A's ran out to a 5-3 lead. As the game entered the late innings, with the horrible prospect of the Sox losing Kevin's first game (and since we live 2,500 miles away it's tough to get back too often), the day was saved by both of our current favorite player - David Ortiz, who hit a three run homer in the bottom of the 7th to put the Red Sox ahead for good en route to an 8-5 win. And this wasn't just a home run - it was one of those moonshots, where you can have a conversation while the ball is in the air. I can still hear Kevin's "WOW!" as we watched the ball soar towards the bleachers, impossibly high, impossibly far away. With my 2 nieces there, visits from Wally on the cards, a bit of perfect weather, and good seats this was altogether one of my best days at Fenway. See the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200907300.shtml
We all know this was coming but man does it sting. You can't replace him in the lineup. You can't replace him in the clubhouse. You can't replace him in the city.
And Ortiz is one of the most popular players in baseball, fans be damned.
And Ortiz is one of the most popular players in baseball, fans be damned.
I'm another "farewell tour" hater but really happy Ortiz will be able to go out like this. On his terms and as a Sox. Obviously different circumstances but it was always disappointing that guys like Pedro, Nomar and even Manny were not able to retire under the same conditions (Nomar's 1day contract notwithstanding).
Not the greatest or the best, but certainly the most important player in the history of the Boston Red Sox. An MVP for the ages.
Trying to imagine the Red Sox without Ortiz at this point is like trying to imagine the Pats without Brady. I know that I enjoyed sports before they came along, and followed the Red Sox, and rooted for, God help me, late-years Jose Canseco, but Ortiz has just become the Red Sox DH for me. It no longer feels like a fungible position, but one intimately intertwined with his personality and legacy. We should just move to the NL and be done with the DH, or put an asterisk next to it on the lineup card every game.
DH*: Ramirez, Hanley
*non-David Ortiz division
DH*: Ramirez, Hanley
*non-David Ortiz division
I love him (well, as much as I can love someone I have never met) and I will miss him.
I am fine with his decision.
Thank you David!
I am fine with his decision.
Thank you David!
This could actually be a pretty smart move to shore up support for his HOF candidacy, *if* he can go out near the top with another good year. Baseball writers young and old are attuned to the game's history, and they will likely appreciate his accomplishments even more this coming season knowing that this is it for David. If he can help lead the Red Sox back to relevancy and to the playoffs one more time, I can see that being the kind of plus mark that could push a few more voters over into the 'Yes' column in 2022 or 2023.
If by "early" you mean a year in advance, I agree. But if you mean "early" as in "he's got more years left," he probably thinks otherwise. Ortiz turns 40 tomorrow. He knows his body, and how hard it was to keep it together at 39 and that it only gets harder.
He also doesn't want to get replaced by Brock Osweiler mid-season.
Once more Senor Octubre.
#1 trend on Twitter.
Is it fair to say that Papi has the most big hits in my lifetime as a Sox fan? Yes, I think that is correct.
Is it fair to say that Papi has the most big hits in my lifetime as a Sox fan? Yes, I think that is correct.
There's a chance Ortiz won't make through the season. He's 39 years' old with a history of lower body issues. I assume a retirement announcement takes all the pressure off for meeting any plate appearance goals - so even if he's relatively healthy, 2016 might see a lot of Mr. Ortiz sitting on the bench to preserve health.
Most of us saw this coming, which is why many of us were never on the dump Ramirez wagon. Now Hanley may see more time at DH in 2016 in advance of full-time DH'ng in 2017. This is certainly a better bet than throwing away even more millions on a guy like Davis.
Ortiz is irreplaceable in our hearts and in our minds and on the field. This assures incredible dignity in his final year. He deserves that.
Most of us saw this coming, which is why many of us were never on the dump Ramirez wagon. Now Hanley may see more time at DH in 2016 in advance of full-time DH'ng in 2017. This is certainly a better bet than throwing away even more millions on a guy like Davis.
Ortiz is irreplaceable in our hearts and in our minds and on the field. This assures incredible dignity in his final year. He deserves that.
The guy changed the fortunes of our franchise forever. He made it "cool" to be a Sox fan anywhere in the country. I live in the south and travel a bunch all over and get Big Papi commentary, mostly all for the good, anywhere I wear my Sox hat.
As a fan it has been an awesome feeling to always think 'we've got a chance' as long as Papi bats in the inning. I sure hope he gets into the HOF. I went for Pedro's induction and I want another Sox-related excuse to go back.
On a personal note, my daughter got to be a bat girl for the Sox this past season and he was very kind to her and I'll always appreciate that. He asked her to make sure the Gatorade was good enough for the Red Sox. She assured him it was.
Thanks Papi. Go get another ring.
As a fan it has been an awesome feeling to always think 'we've got a chance' as long as Papi bats in the inning. I sure hope he gets into the HOF. I went for Pedro's induction and I want another Sox-related excuse to go back.
On a personal note, my daughter got to be a bat girl for the Sox this past season and he was very kind to her and I'll always appreciate that. He asked her to make sure the Gatorade was good enough for the Red Sox. She assured him it was.
Thanks Papi. Go get another ring.
What a great rallying point for a good season and making the playoffs. And when after hitting a walk-off to win the WS he is met by Jesus at home plate and ascends directly to heaven, that will be awesome too.
2016 has to be the final Mount Rushmore face of his 4 career championships.
No athlete has ever provided me more joy.
No athlete has ever provided me more joy.
Just added a Red Sox hat to the snowman I made in honor of Big Papi. My kids are pretty upset. They don't know the Sox without him.
Um, I just checked the baseball-reference lists of top batting performances in the postseason, and, well, I was surprised not to find his name in any of the top-10 lists. Hmmm. Perhaps he's lurking in the low teens ...
I'll drink to that!
http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/Playoffs_batting.shtml
9th all time in PAs
9th all time in runs scored
10th in hits
5th in total bases
4th in doubles
7th in HR
5th in RBI
7th in BB
I think it's fair to say he has the most big hits in Red Sox history. Period. Starting with the double off Foulke in the 2003 ALCS. I remember that one vividly, the moment when Ortiz went from potentially decent hitter to reliable middle of the order, clutch, bad motherfucker.#1 trend on Twitter.
Is it fair to say that Papi has the most big hits in my lifetime as a Sox fan? Yes, I think that is correct.
Whoops. Let me be more specific. While he does appear in the top-10 of these counting categories, he does not appear in the top-10 of the rate categories, such as batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and so forth.
I don't like comparing players by counting stats in the playoffs because it places a very strong bias against those who played earlier than the expanded playoff system. Before 1969, there was just a single playoff series, with a maximum of 7 games; now, there are four possible playoff stages, with a maximum of 20 games.
Look at the leaders for all of the rate categories: Aside from Ruth & Gehrig (167 & 150 PA, respectively) there isnt a single person over 100 PA. Even counting these guys there isnt a single person over 175 PA. It would be impossible for someone with as many PA as Ortiz to compete in the rate categories with all of the SSS guys.
Just the tip of the iceberg, too. We will never see the likes of him again.
(Anybody notice Lovello grabbing Mike Napoli's belt and pulling him back to the dugout at 10 seconds in the first clip? Interesting moment.)
Definitely good timing to go out while he's still putting up good numbers, as opposed to bouncing around to a couple of random teams at the end to squeak out a few more years.
And it means we get a year-long victory parade for him, too. Hopefully teams will shower him with gifts the last time he plays in their stadium as well.
Seriously though, it's been an amazing ride from when he was splitting playing time with Kevin Millar and Jeremy Giambi, to being the 3-4 combo with Manny Ramirez, and being the foundation of the team through 3 World Championships.
It's really been unbelievable.
And it means we get a year-long victory parade for him, too. Hopefully teams will shower him with gifts the last time he plays in their stadium as well.
Seriously though, it's been an amazing ride from when he was splitting playing time with Kevin Millar and Jeremy Giambi, to being the 3-4 combo with Manny Ramirez, and being the foundation of the team through 3 World Championships.
It's really been unbelievable.
Part of me wonders if this is just Big Papi working on an extension that pays more than the vested option for 2017. The guys still hitting and playing another year or two solidifies his chances for the HOF, which I have to imagine is important to him. Plus, making another 15 million or so per year has to interest him.
The farewell tour can wait. Unlike Jeter was in his final year, he is still a productive player
The farewell tour can wait. Unlike Jeter was in his final year, he is still a productive player
I'll put the moment below on par with any of his heroics at the plate. A much-needed rallying cry at a desperate time for the Sox.
Guess I have to start planning a Fenway trip now. It's hard to imagine the Sox without him.
Though I can't really afford it, I think I'm going to have to build an addition on my house. It's very very unlikely David Ortiz will ever come stay with me. But if he does, I want him to be comfortable.
Though I can't really afford it, I think I'm going to have to build an addition on my house. It's very very unlikely David Ortiz will ever come stay with me. But if he does, I want him to be comfortable.
Deleted. Sorry everyone, had no idea this was the handicap row and how insensitive that comment was.#1 trend on Twitter.
Is it fair to say that Papi has the most big hits in my lifetime as a Sox fan? Yes, I think that is correct.
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Dreaming that Ortiz can tie Harry Hooper and Heinie Wagner as the only Sox players to win four World Series Championships. I have to echo all the sentiments that we knew this day was coming but still will be the end of a very special period in all our lives as Sox fans.
On June 9th, before he was benched in Baltimore, Ortiz's OPS was 669 and he had 6 home runs. He looked pretty done at that point.
Obviously, from that point on, he was terrific, with an OPS of 1054 and 31 home runs. However, I'm not sure at 40 years old that Ortiz can be great consistently for an entire season (especially in April and May).
In 82 postseason games and 357 PA, Ortiz hit .295/.409/.553, with a 148 wRC+, +3.14 WPA, and a +1.12 clutch score. In 2004, 2007, and 2013 he had postseason wRC+ marks of 222, 203, and 214. That is stupid good.
To add emphasis to the point about small samples for postseason rate stats, Ortiz's 2004 performance alone (.400/.505/.764 in 68 PAs) would have put him tied for 7th all time in postseason batting average, and 2nd in both OBP and SLG.
To add emphasis to the point about small samples for postseason rate stats, Ortiz's 2004 performance alone (.400/.505/.764 in 68 PAs) would have put him tied for 7th all time in postseason batting average, and 2nd in both OBP and SLG.
'I think I'm gonna be sad, I think it's today - yeah!'
2004, 2007, and 2013. For me, nothing else in all of sports compares and I'm happy I was alive to see it.
2004, 2007, and 2013. For me, nothing else in all of sports compares and I'm happy I was alive to see it.
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My all-time favorite player. I know, it's pretty universally Pedro around here, but I missed his two best years. I caught all of David Ortiz, and boy was it something. The man is magic.
After 86 years of nothing, 3 rings. With three very different supporting teams, different managers, different GM's. 1 common factor.
After 86 years of nothing, 3 rings. With three very different supporting teams, different managers, different GM's. 1 common factor.
With all the clutch moments he has had, it's tough to focus on just one, but I remember spending the whole 8th inning in game 2 of the 2013 ALCS thinking that if they could get it to Ortiz, he could get us back in the game. They actually do get it to him, and he's the tying run, but I'm thinking to myself that I can't expect a grand slam, even from Papi here, but hopefully he could drive it into the gap or off the wall and score 2-3 guys, to give us a shot in the ninth.
First pitch. Launched to right. Hunter upside-down over the wall. Cop's arms in the air. Tie game. Unreal.
I'll miss him.
First pitch. Launched to right. Hunter upside-down over the wall. Cop's arms in the air. Tie game. Unreal.
I'll miss him.
His years with the Sox will be considered the "Good Old Days" by many of us fans when we get (even) Older. Gonna miss the Large father big time.
I seem to recall some discussion about her at the time on SOSH. After some research, IIRC, it was discovered that she is actually a hard-core fan (maybe even season ticket holder) with some sort of affliction which kept her in such a stoic pose.
Can anyone back me up?