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“The game is not over UNTIL THE LAST .” -, 1999

DAVID ORTIZ COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 2 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

David Ortiz celebrates a three- homer with Victor Martinez in 2010. THE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Bill Reynolds: From humble beginnings, he Bill Doyle: media weigh in on Ortiz’ The fi nal : Even at age 40, Ortiz 2007 World : He helped a franchise became an icon // Page 3 legacy // Page 6 never slowed // Page 10 shed its underdog label // Page 18

Kevin McNamara: There was no shortage Place in the community: He made big Timeline: How the “player to be named 2013 : One of the greatest of special moments // Page 4 impact off the fi eld // Page 7 later” became a legend // Page 13 performances in history // Page 20

Bill Ballou: No DH has been elected to : Ortiz may be the last of : Papi produced at plate, Before the Red Sox: The Twins gave up, but Cooperstown; it’s time // Page 5 his kind // Page 8 and at fi rst // Page 16 Ortiz never did // Page 22

COVER: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION. PHOTO BY PROVIDENCE JOURNAL PHOTO/ BOB BREIDENBACH

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. LOCAL NEWS. IN YOUR FEED. AS IT HAPPENS. BECAME ORTIZ A BOSTON ICON When Boston was angry and sad and still in shock in the TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 3 Sunday, days after the Boston Mara- thon bombing, it was David Ortiz who took the micro- phone and proclaimed “This is our ... city!” in a defiant show of pride and strength.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES/MICHAEL DWYER

By Bill Reynolds Boston with the Red Sox, this man @breynolds401 who forever will be remembered for as long as they play baseball in he best thing about Boston, he was just another kid from David Ortiz? the chasing the The best thing about baseball dream. this large man with the He was signed by the Mari- even bigger heart? ners. It was 1992 and he was known The best thing about as David Arias then. He played for a Tthis man who grew up in the Domini- Mariners farm team called the Wis- And all of sudden David Ortiz can Republic and became one of the consin Timber Rattlers until 1996. He became one of he all-time great Red David Ortiz, on the field before the 2013 most admired and well-liked people was traded to and that was Sox stories. World Series, says helping others makes in the long history of New England when he informed the Twins that he That first year, after playing spar- him feel good. / sports? prefered to be known as David Ortiz. ingly behind for the KRIS CRAIG The best thing about this man who He was up and down with the Twins first two months of the season, just is going to be remembered for as long for the better part of six seasons, play- another guy nobody seemed to know a It’s an impressive list. as they play baseball in ? ing 455 major-league games and hitting whole lot about, Ortiz found his fate. Maybe no one owned the moment in The very best thing? 58 home runs and driving in 238 runs. He finished the year with 31 home those sad days after the Boston Mara- It has all come out of nowhere, like These are the hits, runs, and errors runs and 101 RBI. And then the next thon bombing in 2013 more than David some unexpected gift that shows of his early years, and suffice to say year he found his slice of Red Sox Ortiz, that sun-splashed afternoon in up on your doorstep on Christmas there was really no reason to believe immortality, helping to lead the Sox Fenway, the wounds of a city still open morning. he would become what he became. to their first World Series title in 86 and incredibly raw, and said “This is Remember? Ortiz seemed like just another big years. our ... city.’’ Winston Churchill it was Ortiz never was some phenom with kid from the Dominican who seemed And ever since? not. Powerful and galvanizing it was. “can’t miss’’ stamped all over his lucky to have been in the big leagues He has become a New England Then again, Ortiz always has forehead, never was someone whose at all. icon, one of the all-time great Red instinctively known that being a Red destiny seemed to be the Hall of Fame Then he came to Boston as a free Sox players, complete with a person- Sox superstar is more than just what and baseball immortality. agent, the place where he found his ality as big as the . In you do on the field. In the beginning, back before all destiny, the place where he became a city that’s had more than it share A superstar he is. the and all the acclaim, back “Big Papi.” of sports icons, Ortiz has somehow Big Papi. before his unbelievable career in It was 2003. managed to make his way up that list. One of a kind. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 4 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

David Ortiz celebrates as he rounds first base after hitting the game-winning in the 12th against the Yankees, during Game Four of the 2004 ALCS at Fenway Park. AP FILE/AMY SANCETTA

There was no shortage of special moments from Papi By Kevin McNamara the end of his career, maybe the most trick. After smacking the Angels twice Schilling (bloody sock) in Game Six, @KevinMcNamara33 important is this: He’s one of four in Anaheim, the Sox returned home for Ortiz gets off to a quick players with at least three World Series Game Three and Ortiz sent everyone start with a two-run shot that nearly It’s like picking your favorite few titles and 500 homers to his name. Babe home happy with a homer over the me in the nose in the auxiliary press songs by , Springsteen or Nirvana. Ruth, and Reggie Jack- Green Monster with two outs in the seats in the right-field bleachers. The It’s selecting a top Italian eatery on son are the others. bottom of the 10th inning. End of game, Sox never looked back and completed Federal Hill in Providence, the nicest “It’s mostly confidence,” Ortiz said end of series. the comeback for the ages with a 10-3 beach in South County or Cape Cod, or back in 2006. “If you go up there think- win. Ortiz finished the seven-game a preferred watering hole in Newport. ing you might not get it done, you’re 2: The 2004 ALCS vs. Yankees. We’ll passion play with a .387 average with You can’t pick just one, right? Just out already. I know I’m going to hit rank three dramatic hits in this epic three homers and 11 RBI. like you can’t pick only one David Ortiz you.” series together in a treasure trove of career highlight. Big Papi simply has We’ve decided to select a top five memories. Trailing, 3-0, and on the 1: Game Two, 2013 ALCS vs. Tigers. too many to choose from. all-time Big Papi blasts, not necessarily verge of embarrassment, Ortiz helps Down one game and trailing, 5-1, in When you’ve carved up American home runs:. rescue the Sox in Game Four with a the eighth inning, the Red Sox looked League pitching for 20 years, smacked home run off in the 12th doomed. But Ortiz blasted the only 541 home runs and done so with a flair 5: On April 27, 2003 in Anaheim, Ortiz inning. Just 16 hours later, the teams postseason in his career, a for the dramatic, there are moments cracks a pinch-hit, go-ahead homer in squared off again. This time Papi cut moment in which I swear Fenway Park that everyone who follows the Red Sox the 14th inning of an eventual win. It is down the Yankees twice. Trailing, shook. will never forget. the newcomer’s first home run as a Red 4-2, in the eighth inning, Ortiz got the The Tigers were cruising with If is the “Mr. Clutch’ Sox and helps him win the job as the ball rolling with a home run to Joaquin Benoit on the mound but fell of the NBA, David Ortiz should have club’s full-time designated hitter. against . The Sox went into trouble with two outs and the the same nickname in baseball. Since on to scratch out a run off Gordon and bases loaded. Ortiz then hit a long line the big man first came on the scene 4: Game Four, 2003 ALDS vs. A’s. and force extra . drive to right that floated down from in Boston in 2003, he has personified Down, 4-3, in the eighth inning and In the 14th inning things finally the dark October sky and over the bull- clutch, not only coming up big in the facing elimination, Ortiz finally stroked ended. This time and pen wall. As fell into the late innings but also serving as the Red his first hit of the series when he lined a walked and the Yanks pen, Boston policeman Steve Horgan Sox resident Mr. October. Ortiz has two-run to right field off Keith chose to to Ortiz. In a wild, tense celebrated with a touchdown sign as cracked 17 playoff home runs, easily Foulke. The hit gave the Red Sox a 5-4 at-bat against , Ortiz circled the bases. a franchise record, and also leads the lead and eventual victory and the Sox Ortiz stayed alive and lined the 10th The Sox got a walk-off by Sox all-time in playoff extra-base hits went on to win the series in Game Five pitch of the showdown into center field in the ninth and (37) and RBI (56). In three World Series, in Oakland, 4-3. to knock in the winning run yet again. went on to win a hard-fought series in The game, which thankfully began at 5 six games. Ortiz’s blast made a trip to he’s among the sport’s leaders in bat- Game Three, 2004 ALDS vs. 3: p.m., took a then-record five hours and the World Series possible and helped ting average (.455), on-base percentage Angels. If Ortiz needed to define a true 49 minutes to complete. the Sox to a 4-2 series win over St. (.576) and slugging (.795). walk-off home run, this shot did the Of all the Ortiz stats one can cite at After tying the series behind Curt Louis. AS A DH, ORTIZ MAY BE THE LAST OF HIS KIND By Bill Ballou and released once by the Twins and @BillBallouTG was only 27. TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 5 Sunday, That was hardly the standard des- hen ignated hitter resume of the day. American The 2003 Red Sox and Ortiz also League turned out to be the perfect marriage, owners although it took a while to get to the inaugu- altar. rated the That Boston team was one of the novel greatest offensive units in franchise conceptW of a designated hitter in 1973, history and the best, to date, of the they did not expect the likes of David 21st century. The 2003 Sox hit 238 Ortiz. That was not because the home runs, a team record. They had baseball financiers had no foresight — 649 extra base hits, a team record. they just had no idea how the position They scored 961 runs, best this cen- would evolve. tury and hit .289, best this century. With Ortiz’s career at its finish, Ortiz was a big part of that, but he nobody really knows how the roster was also surrounded by other great spot will evolve from here, either. hitters, so many so that the Sox had Take a look at 1973. the luxury of using him as a desig- Here are the 12 DHs to debut at the nated hitter. position for their respective teams: It is hard to say that he will be the for the Red Sox, last of his kind. It is hard to say that for the Yankees, Ollie some player, or thing, is the last Brown for the Brewers, of its kind in baseball, period. The for the Tigers, for the game went 34 years between perfect TOP: Edgar Martinez, shown hitting a two-run homer against the White Sox in 2000, was one of Orioles, John Ellis for the Indians, Bill games at one time, and in that span it the best designated hitters in baseball history. AP/STEPHEN CARRERA North for the Athletics, seemed likely they were extinct, and BOTTOM: David Ortiz follows through on a two-run home run against the in a for the Twins, Ed Kirkpatrick for the there were three in 2012 alone. 2010 game at Fenway Park. AP /WINSLOW TOWNSON Royals, Tom McCraw for the Angels, Hardly anybody who grew up Mike Andrews for the White Sox and watching the game in the decades Rico Carty for the Rangers. after World War II thought that Lou rosters that are almost half pitch- include , who looks Only one of them, Cepeda, wound Gehrig’s ironman streak would be ers. Sometimes, managers have 13 destined to play at least two in the up in the Hall of Fame. Both Oliva and broken, then it was shattered, and available, more than half the majors. Carty were great hitters. Otherwise roster. some day, someone will probably hit Eventually, the the list is the equivalent of a five home runs in a game. That does not leave a lot of room , middle relievers of the bat- However, with both Edgar Marti- for a player who does nothing but hit will adopt the DH. Who knows when, ting order. Really — Ed Kirkpatrick nez and Ortiz both out of the picture, four times a game. but it will at some point. That will and Ollie Brown? there is nobody on the horizon who The Ortizes and Martinezes are double the demand for designated As brilliant a move as Boston’s seems likely to carry on the DH being supplanted by Ben Zobrists and hitters, and maybe the next Ortiz will signing of Ortiz turned out to be, he tradition. Brock Holts. Look at the 2016 Red Sox be wearing a Dodgers, Braves or Cubs was an accident. The Sox had him in For one thing, job descriptions have and how many of them were multi- uniform for most of his career. mind to play first base and some DH, changed. Designated hitters may positional. Holt is a classic utility Don’t bet on it. The Red Sox have and almost anything was an upgrade go the way of third-string - guy, but Hanley Ramirez has played from Boston’s 2002 designated ers. Baseball has become dominated three positions, two, most likely seen the greatest desig- hitter, , but Ortiz had by and most teams, from three, two, nated hitter ever both come and go in already been traded once by Seattle Opening Day through Sept. 1, have three, and that doesn’t a span of 14 unforgettable years. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 6 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE VIEW FROM THE BOOTH MEDIA WEIGHS IN ON Ortiz’ legacy By Bill Doyle “He’s the most important player in walk-off hits inn @BillDoyle15 the history of the Red Sox organiza- Games Four and BOSTON — There’s no doubt that tion,” Bradford said. “Not the best hitter, Five of the 2004 David Ortiz deserves to be in the con- not the best all-around player, but the ALCS against the versation about the best Red Sox players most important player in the Red Sox Yankees to help of all-time along with and organization.” the Sox become . Bradford points to Ortiz’s World the first Major But where exactly should he be ranked? Series championships and believes the League Base- First, second or third? Sox wouldn’t have won in 2004 or 2013 ball team to David Ortiz laughs during a press conference before his final series , who played six seasons without him. win a playoff at Yankee last month. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS with Yaz and has analyzed Sox games on Tom Caron, NESN’s Red Sox studio series after NESN since 1988, believes those would host and former Sox field reporter, is also trailing three be the top three, but it would be unfair to a huge Ortiz supporter. games to none rank them because they played in differ- “Ted Williams is the greatest hitter and “Having lived through for playing a position that major league ent eras and Ortiz didn’t play in the field. the greatest Red Sox player of all-time,” that,” Caron said, “doing post-games baseball created.” “The thing you can’t take away from Caron said, “but David Ortiz might be the those two nights, even now looking back Caron was the Sox field reporter in David Ortiz,” Remy said, “is the amount most impactful player, if that makes any on it, it’s like a film. It doesn’t seem real. 2003, the year the Sox signed Ortiz on of championships, the clutch hitting, the sense. You look at his era and that really We were all here on fumes and how is he the recommendation of Pedro Martinez clutch hitting in playoff situations, much is the transformative era of the Boston delivering on fumes?” after the Twins waived him. more than the other two guys.” Red Sox. It changed what this team is, Remy’s greatest memory is something “How the greatest in Red Entering this fall, Ortiz had helped the what this ballpark is, what we as fans are, he admitted is “offbeat.” It’s the way Sox history,” Caron said, “was unwanted Sox win three World Series champion- and I don’t think anybody else has had Ortiz took batting practice. in the offseason of ’02-’03 is pretty ships. Only and Heinie that kind of impact on this franchise.” “He starts off,” Remy said, “by hitting amazing.” Wagner won more. They captured their Caron said Ortiz told him that he felt balls to left field, he goes up the middle Early in the 2003 season, Ortiz didn’t fourth in 1918. Williams and Yaz never pressure growing up in a poor section of and he pulls balls. That’s the way every play much and asked the Sox to won one. the Dominican Republic, but not while he professional player him. The Sox are glad they didn’t grant “To me,” NESN play-by-play voice was at at-bat in clutch situations. should take batting practice. He’s never his wish. Dave O’Brien said of Ortiz, “he means as , Sox radio announcer altered from that. Most of these home So what will the broadcasters miss much to Red Sox fans, and I’m a lifelong since 1983, and O’Brien both picked run hitters, all they try to do is hit home most about Ortiz? one, as Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzem- Ortiz’s eight-inning, game-tying grand runs in batting practice. He didn’t do “There are so many things,” Casti- ski. It’s a three-way tie for me. It’s hard slam against the Tigers to help the Sox that. He tries to become a better hitter glione said. “I think I’ll miss his smile for me to put anyone above those (other) win Game Two of the 2013 ALCS as their every single day.” and his personality, the way he hugs guys, but in terms of clutch, no question greatest memory of him. Had the Sox Caron believes Ortiz will be voted into people, the warmth of Big Papi. I’ll David is No. 1. He’s hit more meaning- lost, they would have gone to the Baseball Hall of Fame. miss seeing him in the batter’s box ful home runs, had more meaningful hits trailing the series, two games to none. “It won’t be first ballot I don’t think,” because he’s such a smart hitter, one of than any other Red Sox player in their “It was the most extraordinary Caron said, “because people will the smartest hitters that I’ve ever been history, that’s clear.” moment that I’ve seen as a baseball the DH against him. There’s going to be around and a truly great hitter, not just Rob Bradford, who covers the Sox for announcer in person,” said O’Brien, who the residue of the ‘03 (steroids) list that’s a slugger and I think that’s why he’s able WEEI.com and who has filled in on Red screamed, “David Ortiz,” three times at going to hang there, but I think the argu- to excel in game on the line situations. Sox radio and television, goes even fur- the end of calling the play live on radio. ment against the DH as a Hall of Famer I’ll miss him as much off the field as on ther in his praise of Ortiz. Caron picked his extra-inning is ridiculous. You’re penalizing a guy the field.”

Reporters and photogra- phers surround David Ortiz at Fenway Park prior to the opening of the against the Cardinals. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / KRIS CRAIG COMMUNITY ICON BIG IMPACT OFF THE FIELD

David Ortiz pumps his fist in front of an American flag and a line of volunteers after addressing the crowd before the Red PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 7 Sunday, Sox’ game against the Royals on April 20, 2013. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

By Bill Doyle other and show the opposition that deal and it did to me.” money and the only way they can get @BillDoyle15 we are better than they are.” When President Obama attended a it is through our foundation because “When we think of rallying the city Tampa Bay in Cuba they come from poor families and this David Ortiz will long be remem- during that time,” said WEEI.com’s in March, he gave his thumbs up to operation costs a lot of money.” bered for his many accomplishments Rob Bradford, “what do we think of? It Ortiz’s speech. Ortiz’s charitable efforts won’t on the field, including his clutch was that, right? More so than President “One of my proudest moments as stop. hitting to lead the Red Sox to three Obama coming to speak to us. That’s a president,” he said, “was watching “I know I’m retiring this year,” World Series championships enter- fact.” Boston respond after the marathon and Ortiz said, “but I’m going to try to ing his final season, but Sox fans will “I think it was a big factor psycho- when Ortiz went out and said, probably continue doing a lot of hard work to also never forget how he helped rally logically and emotionally,” Red Sox the only time that America didn’t have a keep raising money to help these kids the community following the tragic radio voice Joe Castiglione said. “We problem with cursing on live TV, when out.” Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. were depressed and down and it gave he talked about how strong Boston was Ortiz has spent time with dozens of On April 20, 2013, prior to the first us a lot of fight and spirit. It surprised and was not going to be intimidated and Make-A-Wish children, visited sick game at Fenway Park after two explo- all of us, but I think it showed a lot of that is the kind of resilience and the kind children at hospitals, and inspired sions near the marathon finish line leadership. David, he’s a guy that you of strength that we have to continually teammates, fans, sponsors and killed three people and injured more know exactly what he’s thinking at all show in the face of these terrorists.” owners to donate $200,000 to the than 250, the Sox honored the vic- times.” That fall, Ortiz was named most Dominican Republic town of Jimani, tims, first responders and marathon “Who else gets away with that?” valuable player of the World Series which was devastated by floods in volunteers on the field. With a huge NESN’s Red Sox studio host Tom Caron as Boston won the championship at 2004. American flag draped over the Green asked. “Who else gets applauded for an Fenway Park, its first World-Series- Through Papi’s Pal Ticket Program, Monster behind him, Ortiz stood on F-bomb mike-job? That’s Big Papi.” clinching win at home in 95 years. he purchases tickets several times the grass with the microphone After the game, Ortiz apologized Community service has long been each season for patients from Mass- in his left hand and addressed the for cursing, telling the media that he important to Ortiz. In December, he General Hospital for Children. crowd. hadn’t planned to, but that he thought will host his ninth annual celebrity golf “All right. All right Boston,” Ortiz “the town needs to be pumped.” tournament in Punta Cana, Dominican “We were blessed with an era,” said said. “This jersey that we wear today, His message worked. His words on Republic, and last July he hosted his Pam Kenn, Red Sox vice president of it doesn’t say Red Sox. It says Boston. live television resonated with many. fourth-annual gala at the Boston Park community, alumni and player rela- We want to thank you Mayor Menino, Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Plaza. Both events benefit the David tions, “in which we have had many Governor Patrick, the whole police Federal Communications Commis- Ortiz Children’s Fund, which has raised community-minded players and department for the great job they did sion which prohibits cursing on TV about $2 million and provided heart sur- David is certainly among the most this past week. This is our [expletive] networks, went so far as to tweet his gery to more than 500 children in New community minded we have had. His city and nobody is going to dictate our endorsement, “David Ortiz spoke England, his native Dominican Republic work is very effective as is evidenced freedom. Stay strong.” from the heart at today’s Red Sox and Haiti. by 563 children who have had heart Then Ortiz raised his right fist as game. I stand with Big Papi and the “When we take time to help others, surgeries thanks to the power of the the crowd roared in approval. It was people of Boston – Julius.” it’s something that to me is price- David Ortiz Children’s Fund. His the first step in the healing process The tweet was retweeted nearly six less,” Ortiz said. impact on so many others is immea- for many. million times. Ortiz won the 2011 surable because of the way that he “I really appreciated it that people Ortiz was asked to re-enact the Award for his community service contri- inspires people. He has been a source look at it that way,” Ortiz said scene for the upcoming movie, butions and value to his team. of light for Jimmy Fund kids, for recently. “That was my purpose, to “Patriots Day.” “I love what I do with my founda- marathon survivors, and for people make sure that everybody united, “That’s a pretty good indica- tion,” Ortiz said. “There’s a huge line with a variety of diseases. His impact that everybody stayed together, tor,” NESN play-by-by voice Dave of kids waiting to get their heart sur- is so broad, and his unifying power of everybody show much love to each O’Brien said, “that it meant a great gery. This heart surgery costs a lot of our community is so strong.” RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 8 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

David Ortiz put up fantastic numbers and was a player the fans had to see, two of the criteria for the Hall of Fame. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS He’s a Hall-of-Famer in my book No DH has been elected to Cooperstown; it’s time

By Bill Ballou that good, so I don’t vote for many played more games at DH than any this season. From 2004 through ’07, @BillBallouTG players. Ortiz is, indeed, that good. other position, but he still played he finished among the top-four con- No doubt, in the last couple of years almost 900 games in the field. Nei- tenders each season and was second David Ortiz has made a career out and in 2016 particularly, many tickets ther Baylor nor Davis is in the Hall of to in 2005 in a close of doing the unexpected, so this dis- were sold just for one last look, or Fame. Most players who did play a lot race. claimer is probably worthless, but: first look, at Ortiz. of DH and made Cooperstown were The other issue Ortiz will face when Five years from now, barring the That sort of presence, plus all the position players until they got older. unexpected, Ortiz will appear on the home runs, RBI, doubles, should Ortiz and Martinez were both full- he is on the Hall of Fame ballot is his ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame. make Ortiz a lock for a spot in Coo- time DHs in their primes. connection with steroid usage. The Considering the huge footprint he perstown, but it is not that easy these Martinez has been on the Hall of fact that his possible positive in a leaves behind on both Red Sox history days. He has two items on his resumé Fame ballot for seven years and has voluntary test dating to 2003 would and the game in general, he should be that may make Hall voters, a notori- never cracked 50 percent, let alone not be allowed as evidence in court a shoo-in for election. ously finicky lot, take a longer look approach the 75 percent needed for is irrelevant to some voters, as is the It may not be that simple, though. than normal. election. Last year, though, the Mari- fact that he has never tested positive I am a Hall of Fame voter and, For one thing, Ortiz spent his ners great got about 43 percent of the since. barring the unexpected, will still be career as a designated hitter, more vote, his best showing yet. The anti-steroids people are stri- casting a ballot when Ortiz is eligible. so than any other player. No career He was a fine player and a danger- He will be on my ballot, and here’s DH has ever been elected to the Hall ous hitter, but Martinez never put up dently unreasonable on this topic, why. of Fame and that’s not so surpris- the numbers that Ortiz has, and never ready to inflict the death penalty even I have two major criteria in deter- ing since there have really only been had the chances to perform on the without corroboration. Their minds mining who I vote for. One is obvious two career DHs — Ortiz and Edgar national stage as Ortiz has, thanks to will never change, but Ortiz will not — consistent excellence over a long Martinez. all the Red Sox postseason appear- be on the ballot until 2021 and can period of time. The other is not and Frank Thomas ances during his career. stay on it until 2031. A lot of today’s so apparent, and not shared by all both spent a lot of time as DHs, and He had something to do with that, voters will be gone by then and per- voters. It is a presence, an impact, so Thomas is the only Hall of Famer who of course. ceptions may change, for better or great that a fan would buy a ticket for spent the majority of his career as a While there is no direct connection worse. no other reason than to see a per- DH. He played about 1,310 games at between Most Valuable Player voting former in action. DH, but 970 at a position. and the Hall of Fame, most writers As of now, though, here in 2016, This dates back to 1959 when my Ortiz is about 2020 at DH, 280 at who vote for MVP wind up voting for this voter plans to put an X next to father took me to Fenway Park just first base. Cooperstown. Ortiz has never won a David Ortiz when the 2021 ballot so I could say I saw Ted Williams Sox hitting was Most Valuable Player Award, but has arrives in the mail. play baseball. Very few players are 50-50. Former Sox DH come close and should be close again Barring the unexpected. PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 9 Sunday,

David Ortiz waves to the crowd during his last regular-season game at Fenway Park on Oct. 2. POIEC ORA DVDOTZTIUE Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 10 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

FAREWELL TOUR EVEN AT 40 ORTIZ NEVER SLOWED By Brian MacPherson @brianmacp THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Going out with a bang David Ortiz, a 10-time All-Star who broke into the big leagues in 1997, finished his career as the best player in his age-40 season in several offensive categories. He hit more home runs, doubles and drove in more runs than anyone else in Major League Baseball history at that age. Here’s how Big Papi stacks up to the game’s greats who played at age 40 (regular-season only).

AGE 40 ALL-TIME LEADERS HOME RUNS OSTON — The dinosaur,” Ortiz said early proverbial high- in the season. 1. David Ortiz 38 2016 light reel of David Ortiz came to Boston 2. 34 1987 Ortiz has always almost as an afterthought 3. 26 1957 represented a tug- in 2003, a castoff from Dave Winfield 26 1992 of-war between Minnesota who didn’t win 5. 25 1999 TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 11 Sunday, what he does with a full-time job until the his bat and what middle of the season. It took RUNS BATTED IN heB does with his smile. What that all of 18 months for him to 1. David Ortiz 127 2016 smile masked for much of his final become a legend with his 2. Dave Winfield 108 1992 season was what it took for him to parade of pivotal hits in the 3. Harold Baines 103 1999 swing his bat. team’s run to its identity- 4. Darrell Evans 99 1987 “I’ve played in a lot of pain,” he transforming World Series 5. Edgar Martinez 98 2003 said recently. title in 2004. He was far Ortiz walked away just before from the youngest player on DOUBLES he turned 41 not because he his early Red Sox teams, but could no longer hit, but because he’s the only one left in the 1. David Ortiz 48 2016 he could no longer hit without major leagues. 2. 35 1930 extraordinary measures — anti- Indeed, most of his peers 3. 33 2006 inflammatory medication, from those historic teams Dave Winfield 33 1992 extensive pregame treatment, retired at a far younger 5. 32 1927 days out of the lineup when he has age than Ortiz did. Trot Paul Monitor 32 1997 to run the bases too often. Nixon and “I wish I could continue play- hung up their spikes at 34, ing, but it takes a lot out of me,” and Bill ON-BASE PERCENTAGE 1. Ty Cobb .357 1927 he said. “I’ve been dealing with it Mueller at 35, 1. Ty Cobb .440 1927 2. Sam Rice .349 1930 for the past four years. Every year at 37, Johnny Damon at 38, 2. .425 1971 3. Moises Alou .341 2007 gets worse. I’ve got to put a lot of Manny Ramirez and Jason 3. .423 1999 4. .325 1981 effort and a lot of work to perform Varitek at 39. All saw their 4. Sam Rice .407 1930 5. Johnny Cooney .319 1941 at my highest level. At some point careers end quietly, the it wears you out.” final crest of a wave peter- 5. Edgar Martinez .406 2003 6. Rickey Henderson .315 1999 Still, in an era in which even ing out on a beach. 6. David Ortiz .401 2016 7. David Ortiz .315 2016 31-year-olds are considered past A generation ago, thanks SOURCE: BaseballReference.com GATEHOUSE MEDIA their prime, Ortiz turned in a in part to widespread use season for the ages at 40. He was of since-banned chemical one of the best hitters in the game enhancement, it was far even as he was a generation older from uncommon for hitters Since the advent of drug testing, how feeble he looks this season. than most of the game’s greats. In to remain productive deep into however, the game has trended Ortiz went out having done so for his last season, Ortiz batted .315, their 30s and beyond. Polarizing younger and younger. Ortiz and the third season in a row. He hit 35 slugged 38 home runs, drove in slugger , whose use Alex Rodriguez are the only hitters home runs at age 38 and 37 home 127 runs and compiled a .401 on- of performance-enhancing drugs since 2006 to hit at least 30 home runs at age 39, and he hit 38 at age base percentage — numbers that has been thoroughly documented, runs at the age of 38 or older. 40. place him in very elite company produced some of the most mind- Rodriguez did so a year ago after “That’s just what he does,” when compared to other players boggling numbers the game has having spent a year away from the said Mookie Betts, who played all at that age. ever seen at an age by which most game, a recuperation period that season at age 23. “He’s been doing “I feel like I’m the last players have retired. looks even more significant given it for 20 years.” RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 12 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

David Ortiz celebrates his walk-off hit to beat the Yankees in the 14th inning of Game 5 of the 2004 ALCS. PHOTOS BYTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS David Ortiz David Ortiz was traded by reacts after the Mariners 2006 stealing second to the Twins in Leads the AL with base against 1992 1996. 137 RBI and 54 the Royals in At age 17, Ortiz, home runs, includ- 2006. then known as David Arias, signs with ing the 200th of the as an amateur his career. Also leads the AL with 119 free agent. walks and 355 . On Sept. 21, he hits 51st home run, against the Twins, to break ’s Red Sox record set in 1938. PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 13 Sunday,

David Ortiz is sprayed in the David Ortiz locker room with the Min- after the Red nesota Twins David Ortiz Sox beat the in 1997. follows through Angels in the on a walk-off 2007 2007 ALDS. 1996 After hitting .332 Traded by the Mariners to the Minne- homer to beat with 35 home runs, sota Twins as the “player to be named the Orioles in 2003 2005 52 doubles and 117 RBI during the later” to complete a deal that sent 2003. At age 27, signs a Helps the Red Sox to their third regular season, he hits .370 with three to Seattle. one-year, $1.25-million deal with the straight playoff appearance, while fi n- homers and 10 RBI in the postseason Red Sox as a free agent. On April 27, ishing second in the as the Red Sox sweep the 1997 he hits his fi rst home run in a Boston MVP voting after hitting .300 with 47 Rockies to win their second World Makes his Major League debut for uniform, a go-ahead, 14th-inning home runs and an AL-best 148 RBI. His Series in four years. the Twins against the Cubs. home run off the Anaheim Angels’ 363 totals bases are the most in his Pinch-hitting in the seventh inning on Mickey Callaway. On June 1, he takes 20-year career. Sept. 2, he fl ies out to left-center fi eld over as the full-time DH after man- off Mark Clark. ager benches Jeremy Giambi — who was hitting .191 — and moves Kevin Millar to fi rst base. 2004 Hits .301 with 41 home runs and 139 RBI while helping the Red Sox David Ortiz win their fi rst World Series title in hits a two- 86 years. Named to his fi rst of 10 run homer off David Ortiz sits Tampa Bay’s alone in the All-Star teams and voted MVP of the AL Championship Series. Trailing Seth McClung after the Twins lost in 2005. to the Athletics in the Yankees, 3-0, in the ALCS, he hits 2002 Game 3 of the 2002 a walk-off homer in the 12th inning Released by ALDS. of Games Four and a walk-off single in the Twins the 14th inning of Game Five. He follows after hitting 20 home runs with 75 RBI that up with a two-run homer in Game and 32 doubles in 125 games in 2002. Seven as the Red Sox became the fi rst In parts of six seasons in Minnesota, team in postseason history to win a he hits 58 home runs in 455 games. best-of-seven series after trailing, 3-0. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 14 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE David Ortiz reacts after hitting a two- run duble against the Astros in 2014. 2014 Autograph The Red Sox fi nish in last place in the seekers try to get AL East, 20 games under .500, but David Ortiz’s Ortiz still hits .263 with 35 home runs David Ortiz attention in and 104 RBI. the dugout at tips his cap to McCoy Stadium the crowd as Boston Mayor 2015 during a rebab The Red Sox again fi nish in last place, assignment with 2012 but Ortiz nearly matches his numbers presents him Pawtucket in Despite missing from the previous season, batting with a plaque 2008. over a month with .273 with 37 home runs and 108 RBI. in honor of his an Achilles tendon On Sept. 12, he hits his 500th career 400th home run injury, hits .318 homer, the 27th player to reach in 2012. with 23 home runs that milestone. On Nov. 18, his 40th — including the birthday, he announces that 2016 will 400th of his career — and 60 RBI in 90 be his fi nal season. games, the fewest in Boston. 2008 In June, he is placed on the disabled 2013 list with a partially torn tendon in At age 37, he hits .309 with 30 home his left wrist. After missing about a runs and 103 RBI during the regular month, he rebounds to hit .264 with 23 season – which includes his 2,000th home runs and 89 RBI in 109 games, hit and 500th double – but was even David Ortiz his second fewest as a Red Sox. better in the postseason. After help- tosses the bat as he ing the Red Sox defeat the Tampa watches the flight Bay Rays, Ortiz’s eighth-inning of his three-run grand slam helps Boston beat homer against the the in Game 2 Tigers in 2015. of the ALCS. He then hits .688 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to earn MVP honors and a third championship.

David Ortiz celebrates after hitting a wak-off 2009 homer to beat Statistically his the White Sox in worst full-season 2009. in Boston, he goes 34 games and 178 “I just at-bats before hitting his fi rst home run on May 22. Still, he fi nishes with swing 99 RBI and 28 homers, including the 300th of his career. hard in 2010 After hitting just .238 the previous case I season, rebounds to hit .270 with 32 home runs and 102 RBI. Earning his hit it — sixth All-Star Game invite, he wins the , defeating current teammate Hanley Ramirez of the that’s Florida Marlins in the fi nal. it.” 2011 Becomes only the fi fth player to hit David Ortiz, 300 home runs with the Red Sox, join- 2005 Home ing Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Run Derby and . Finishes the season with 29 home runs and 96 RBI while batting .309. PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 15 Sunday,

Red Sox DH David Ortiz says goodbye to the fans at Fenway Park after playing his last game as a member of the Red Sox on Oct. 10. After 20 years, Ortiz finished with a .286 average, 541 home runs and 1,768 RBI. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / BOB BREIDENBACH 2016 Treating fans to the best farewell tour in history, he hits .315 with 38 home runs — the oldest player to hit 30 — while leading the AL with 48 doubles, 127 RBI and a .620 . He becomes the 15th player with 600 doubles and just the third ( and Barry Bonds are the others) with 600 doubles and 500 home runs. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 16 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

2004 WORLD SERIES Papi produced at plate (and at fi rst)

By Bill Ballou @BillBallouTG

here would have been no Red Sox World Series triumph in 2004 without David Ortiz. That’s a given, a point that has T never been in dispute. A look back at that miraculous autumn through the cloudy glass of more than a decade, though, shows that Ortiz’ contributions to Boston’s sweep of the Cardinals in the World Series were less spec- tacular than the contributions that got the Sox there in the first place.

David Ortiz celebrates the Red Sox’ 2004 World Series title. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 17 Sunday,

Pedro Martinez, and David the final out on that historic night. Ortiz celebrate after the Red Sox defeated the Offensively, Ortiz’ contributions to Cardinals in Game Four to win the 2004 World Boston’s Series Sweep were substan- Series at in St. Louis. THE tial, but not as dramatic as what he ASSOCIATED PRESS did to get the Sox into the Fall Clas- David Ortiz hits a three-run homer during the first inning of Game One of the 2004 World Series. sic. In World Series play, Ortiz was 4 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS In fact, his biggest moment in the for 13 (.308) with three runs scored, 2004 World Series probably came in Manny Ramirez’ solo home run in the , who threw to Ortiz four RBI and one extra base hit, a the field and not at the plate. first inning off former Red Sox hurler to get Walker. Suppan, indecisive home run. Boston headed to St. Louis with . Pedro Martinez, making at third base, broke down the line In true Ortiz style, it was a big a 2-0 lead for Game Three at Busch what turned out to be his last appear- but stopped halfway. Ortiz spotted Stadium on Oct. 26. Most teams that ance in a Boston uniform, preserved him, took a step in that direction, home run. He hit it his first time up in win the first two games of a World the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the and threw behind the runner to third a World Series game, in Game One at Series go all the way, but not all of inning with help from Ramirez, who baseman to trap Suppan Fenway on Oct. 23. It was a 0-0 game them and the Red Sox knew that as caught ’ potential sac- in a for another . when Ortiz came up with one out and well as anyone. They were one of the rifice fly in left and threw out Larry That snuffed out that threat and two runners on base in the bottom few teams that did not go all the way, Walker at home for an inning-ending emotionally, seemed to break the of the first against St. Louis starter having won the first two games of double play. Cardinals’ spirit. Boston won Game . the with the Mets It was still 1-0 when Suppan led off Three, 4-1, then captured the World He hit one into the box seats in the before losing in seven games. the bottom of the third with an infield Series with a 3-0 victory the next right field corner to give Boston a So, with that in mind, Game Three hit. Edgar Renteria followed with a night. was a critical one, and being at a double to right and the Cardinals had Although Ortiz was the Sox’ starting 3-0 lead in a game the Sox eventually National , Ortiz had to the tying run at third, the go-ahead in that game and went 1 won, 11-9. Ortiz added an RBI single play first base to be part of the batting run at second, with nobody out and for 3, came in for later that night to cap a big night and order. Walker up. the seventh inning and was the man set the stage for Boston’s first World Boston jumped out ahead, 1-0, on He grounded to tossed the ball over to for Series title in 86 years. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 18 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE NO FIREWORKS, JUST SOLID AND STEADY

David Ortiz holds up two fingers along with the championship trophy to the fans who gathered to greet the team outside Fenway Park after the Red Sox won the 2007 World Series. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 19 Sunday,

Fans hold up letters that spell out “ORTIZ” as they celebrate the Red Sox’ 2007 World Series title during a rolling rally through Boston. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

By Brian MacPherson As good as the Red Sox were during the 2007 It was a more fleet-footed Ortiz who scored the @brianmacp regular season, they went to the playoffs with a run that put the Red Sox ahead in a game they had fan base still a little bit anxious. The 2004 run had to have, Game Five of the ALCS against For the Red Sox, the 2007 World Series suf- felt so magical, but was it an only child? — an elimination game for Boston. Ortiz scored fers from middle-child syndrome — none of the The franchise has shed its underdog label by from first base on a Ramirez line drive that went novelty of the first one, none of the recency of 2007, but its fans hadn’t yet shed the sense of for a single only because a confused Ramirez had the third one. The same goes for Ortiz. Though dread that came with high October expectations. thought he’d hit a home run. That run gave Josh he went 5-for-15 with three doubles and drove in Ortiz set an early tone. Kevin Youkilis struck Beckett and the Red Sox an early lead they would four runs in four games, a terrific output by any the first offensive blow for the Red Sox that fall, a not relinquish. Ortiz hit a in the measure, the 2007 World Series is the only World first-inning home run in Game One of the ALDS seventh and another in the eighth as the Red Sox Series in which he did not homer. The highlight against Angels starter (with Mike piled on, as they’d continue to do in the final three reels of his career that were ubiquitous during his Napoli behind the plate). But it was Ortiz who games of that series. final season tended to skip from 2004 to 2013. created necessary cushion, following a Youkilis When J.D. Drew hit his memorable grand slam Ortiz was a force in 2007 in the middle of a Red double with a two-run homer off Lackey, giving Sox lineup that scored more than 850 runs. His 36 the Red Sox a 3-0 lead in a game they’d win by a at Fenway Park in Game Six of that series, Ortiz home runs, 52 doubles and a .621 slugging per- 4-0 score. was standing on first base. centage all led the team by a wide margin. Despite Ortiz homered again in the decisive Game Three Two of the World Series games against Colo- being a designated hitter, he finished fourth in of that series, taking deep — and rado were laughers, games the Red Sox put away American League MVP voting. then seeing Manny Ramirez do the same, back- with relative ease. It was the second game that That October that saw a 96-win Red Sox team to-back homers that put the Red Sox well on their might have decided the series — and while Ortiz eviscerate the Angels and Rockies but have to way to victory. When the Red Sox scored seven didn’t drive in the go-ahead run, it was his two- storm back from a deficit against Cleveland. It runs against an overmatched Anaheim bullpen in out walk in the fifth inning that extended the was against the Angels and Indians that Ortiz put the eighth inning of that game, Ortiz singled and inning long enough for Boston to score the go- his imprint on the triumph. scored. ahead run. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 20 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE

2013 WORLD SERIES Ortiz saved his best series for last

By Tim Britton @TimBritton

n retrospect, the statline is comical. It has to be a misprint. There is no way that, in a World Series in which the two teams combined to hit .218, David Ortiz hit .688. I The first has to be wrong, doesn’t it? It should be a three or maybe — maybe — a four. But .688? Try to conceptualize .688. Add up the next three best averages on the Red Sox, and they barely surpass Ortiz’s batting average for that six-game World Series win over the Cardinals. Ortiz’s reputation in the clutch was already beyond reproach at the start of the 2013 postseason, his heroics in 2004 the keystone of his Red Sox legacy. But never content to rest on his laurels, the designated hitter added another thrilling chapter to that lore — first with his game-tying, series-transforming grand slam against the Tigers in the ALCS and then with one of the greatest performances in the history of the Fall Classic.

David Ortiz waves a champion- ship flag after the Red Sox defeated the Cardinals in Game Six of 2013 World Series. PHOTO ILLUSTRA- TION. PHOTO FROM AP David Ortiz hits a two-run homer in the sixth inning of Game Two of 2013 World Series. AP PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 21 Sunday,

saw from Siegrist — 97 and up — to Five, including a first-inning double right for a homer. to carry over the previous night’s “He’s got a good ,” Ortiz momentum. said after the game. “I still can hit In the championship clincher in Cardinals looks back as home plate calls Boston’s .” Game Six, Ortiz was quiet. That was on a three-run double by during the third inning of Game Ortiz would homer again in Game by St. Louis’ design. He walked four Six of the 2013 World Series. At rear, from left, are , Xander Bogaerts and Two, albeit in a losing cause. He was times, including three intention- David Ortiz. AP intentionally walked for the first ally. The Cardinals had learned their time in the series in Game Three, and lesson, but too late. Ortiz scored the Cardinals would generally regret twice after those free passes, helping Game One of that World Series On his next , only not being more proactive with that Boston put away a 6-1 win for a third was not particularly dramatic, the a Carlos Beltran larceny of his deep strategy later on. He had three hits in World Series . Red Sox scoring early and often fly ball to right prevented Ortiz from Game Four, including a double that “I’d be doing him a disservice off and cruis- collecting another memorable post- led to the tying run and excluding trying to put it into words. He just ing to an 8-1 win. But like any good season grand slam to the Fenway the inspirational speech he delivered keeps writing new chapters,” then- orchestra, Ortiz showcased all the Park bullpens. He settled for a sacri- in his team’s dugout prior to Jonny general elements that were to come in that fice fly — for the time being. Gomes’ series-altering home run. said that night. “I know great players series right from the start. In his final at-bat that night, he “Above and beyond the numbers, are more likely to be great in any Perhaps his worst at-bat of the matched up with fireballing lefty it’s his presence,” manager John Far- moment, but it’s hard to see him in six games came in his very first. specialist . There rell said that month. “He never shuns those moments and not think there’s His routine grounder to second was had been some talk back then that the responsibility. He never turns something different about him. botched on the fielder’s choice by Ortiz’s bat had slowed just a tad, away from a big moment. He’s what We’ve seen him locked in before, . This was a and maybe Siegrist and his high- gives so many guys in our uniform but to do it on this stage and do it in bad harbinger for St. Louis: Even 90s fastball could exploit that confidence, the way he goes about so many big moments, I can’t add when he made an out in the score- development. his business.” anything more to the legend that’s book, everyone was safe. Ortiz crushed the first pitch he Ortiz had three more hits in Game already there.” RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 22 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE THE EARLY YEARS MINNESOTA DAYS HELPED PROPEL PAPI PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE ORTIZ JOURNAL | DAVID PROVIDENCE | October 30, 2016 23 Sunday,

By Tim Britton to mind the various mentors he had in ability.” David Ortiz, right, is moved @TimBritton the Twin Cities — Hall of Famers such Knowing how significant that mentor- toward the dugout by man- as and Paul Molitor, as ship was to him at that time, Ortiz has ager , left, and It has happened once each spring for well as one of his closest friends in Torii taken on a similar role as he’s aged with third base coach Ron Gar- the last however many years — the one Hunter. the Red Sox. He has been galvanized the denhire, center, after being morning when David Ortiz decides to That’s what made Ortiz feel so hon- last season and a half by the infusion ejected for arguing strike vent about his time with the Twins. ored at in June this year, by of youth to Boston’s roster, consis- calls with plate umpire He will talk about how former Min- the return of so many friends from his tently impressed by the club’s collective Paul Schrieber during a nesota manager Tom Kelly tried to alter days with the Twins and by the presence curiosity. 2001 game in Kansas City, Ortiz’s swing, to make it more of a line- of the late Puckett’s family. “These guys, they want to learn so Mo. AP / ED ZURGA drive stroke capable of going the other way “I never got the opportunity to play badly about the game. That’s something over the shortstop’s head for base hits. with Kirby, but Kirby was around when that I love,” Ortiz said. “I talk to them He’ll talk about all the high-fives he’d get I was in Minnesota, and he had that little every day about things, because that’s “My career for a ground ball to second that moved a chip,” Ortiz said in September. “To me, how I was when I was their age. I was runner over, but didn’t get him in. He will that’s very important, especially in the searching always. I was a sponge, suck- didn’t work talk about the freedom he felt when he game these days. I see a lot of organiza- ing all the details all day, good info that out the way I signed with Boston to be his own hitter tions out there that they have that really could get me better. When I watch them planned with again. good young talent, but they don’t have now in the same mood, I’m 100 per- Ortiz’s venting aside, it would be that leadership.” cent in it. I want them to learn because the Twins, but negligent to call the totality of the slug- “He had a little more trouble like a lot they’re going to be great players.” I don’t have ger’s time in a failure. On of young guys do of handling failure. It Like Puckett, Ortiz has carried a chip the field in his six years with the Twins, would be a lot of emotional highs and with him, forever cognizant of the fact anything but Ortiz was an above-average offensive lows,” said Molitor, who was Ortiz’s that a major-league team gave up on love for the performer and part of the organization’s teammate for one full season and a coach him for nothing in return. That drives people there.” turn-of-the-century renaissance, help- for two more. “He had to find out who a player, even a decade and a half later. ing propel Minnesota to the American he was going to be, and once he did, Ortiz always had the talent to be better David Ortiz, Players’ League Championship Series in 2002. we all know what’s happened. I don’t than he was in Minnesota, once he was Tribune And Ortiz himself acknowledges that know how much influence I was able to provided with a bit more freedom. But this was a formative time for a young have, but it was fun being able to watch he may not have become quite this hitter. It doesn’t take long in a conversa- him as a young kid because he had a lot accomplished a player without that tion about Ortiz’s youth for him to call of enthusiasm and he certainly had the foundational chip on his shoulder. RVDNEJUNL | AI RI RBT | Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 24 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | DAVID ORTIZ TRIBUTE Always be...

informed.

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