By: Harold Klapper
After a recent shooting, and an outcry of support, David Ortiz has been under the spotlight this past week. While visiting his hometown in the Dominican Republic, an attempted murder led to gunshot wounds in his back and a remarkable survival story. As we wish him a speedy recovery, it’s also a meaningful time to reflect on what he means to Red Sox fans, baseball fans, sports fans, and the rest of the world. There is no doubt that David Ortiz is one of the most beloved people in all of Boston and in the sporting world. Hopefully this tragedy can help us all understand the impact he’s made on many communities.
A look into Ortiz’s lengthy career with the Red Sox can be summarized by the designated hitter’s power, clutch hitting, swagger, and championships. Ortiz was one of the most clutch players in Boston sporting history and broke the World Series curse as he lead the Red Sox to a title in 2004. Along with his 2004 victory with the Red Sox, David Ortiz led the team to two more World Series championships in 2007 and 2013. However, his 2004 playoff run was one of the most impressive the Red Sox had ever seen. His 2004 heroics began in game 3 of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels. Ortiz’s two doubles helped the Red Sox score six runs early but the game was eventually sent to extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Ortiz drilled a home run into the green monster to win the game, and finish the sweep of the Angels. His game 3 performance foreshadowed the clutch hitting he would have later in the postseason. His next great 2004 playoff performance came in a desperate moment for the Red Sox. The Sox were down three games to none in the ALCS against the rival Yankees. With the season on the line, Ortiz managed to hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 12th inning to keep the Red Sox’s playoff run alive. After his heroics to win game 4, Ortiz hit a walk off single in game 5 during the 14th inning to send the Red Sox into the Bronx down three games to two. In the last two games of the ALCS the Red Sox cruised by the Yankees to pull off one of the most iconic comebacks in sports history. In the World Series, the Red Sox swept the Cardinals to break the curse and bring a title back to Boston. Had Ortiz not saved the season in the ALCS, the Red Sox wouldn’t have won in 2004. Ortiz’s 2004 postseason performance can be used as a reminder to the caliber of player he was and how his clutch performances remain engraved in Boston sports history.
Along with a hall of fame worthy tenure with the Red Sox, David Ortiz meant a lot to the city of Boston. The best example of his importance in the community came after the tragic Boston bombings. It took police nearly a week to capture the suspect in the attack and the day after they did, the Red Sox honored the police from the greater Boston area on the field. An emotional time for many Bostonians, Ortiz was given a microphone to address the police departments and the fans. He delivered the infamous line, “this is our f***ing city”, which has since been remembered as the pinnacle of the 2013 Boston Strong movement and a legacy for Ortiz beyond baseball. David Ortiz means more to the city of Boston than just the three championships he helped bring here. He represents Boston pride, Boston Strong, and the connection between the sporting world and the community.
It’s certain that the baseball community wishes “Big Papi” a fast recovery and it’s also certain that David Ortiz’s legacy extends beyond just the game.
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