Looking Back On David Ortiz's Career by Camdyn Ames
On Monday night the legendary David Ortiz's career came to a close losing to the Cleveland Indians 4-3 in Game 3 of the ALDS. Papi finished 0 for 1 with an RBI. As we look back on Papi's career I have picked out the top 10 best Papi moments in his career.
10. Walk-off double in 11th inning
On May 14th, 2016 in his final season Papi had one heck of a game against the Houston Astros, first with a game-tying triple in the bottom of the ninth, then with a walk-off double in the bottom of the 11th. This was Papi's final clutch moment in his career.
9. Final Season: .315 AVG, 38 HR, 127 RBI
Papi's final season was arguably one of his best. He broke the record for most home runs in a final season with 38. He also led the league in SLG % (.620), OPS (1.021), and doubles (48). He led the American League in RBIs (127), SLG (.620), OPS (1.021), and doubles (48).
8. First Walk-off Home Run With Red Sox
In September of 2003 Papi launched a walk-off home run in the 10th inning to propel the Sox over the Baltimore Orioles 6-5.
7. 500th Home Run
On September 12th of last year against the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa Bay. Papi hit his second home run of the day to become the 27th player all time with 500+ home runs.
6. 2007 World Series Run
In 2007 Ortiz led the Red Sox to the World Series against the Colorado Rockies. During the series Ortiz went 5 for 15 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI, and 4 runs scored.
5. 2004 ALCS Comeback
David led the Sox to a 3-0 comeback of the New York Yankees in 2004. David put not just the team but the city on his back when he came in the clutch in game 4 with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning. He had another walk-off in game 5, and in Game 7 he added a 2-run home run to cap a 10-3 win against the Yankees.
4. 2013 Playoffs
In 2013 the city of Boston was tragically bombed during the Boston Marathon. Papi once again put the team and city on his back and carried them to the playoffs. Papi went 7 for 35 with 3 home runs, 7 RBI, and a double.
3. 2013 World Series
Papi won the World Series MVP in 2013 when he led the Sox over the St. Louis Cardinals in six games. He totaled 2 home runs, 6 RBI, 6 hits, and a batting average of .688 during the series.
2. The Grand Slam
Probably the most exciting thing I have watched on live TV. In Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, the Sox were down 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. David drills a ball into the bullpen in right field to tie the game, which the Red Sox would go on to win.
1. The Speech
When Boston was bombed during the Boston Marathon in April of 2013 David Ortiz gave one of the most memorable speeches in sports history. On that day (April 20th, 2013) the Sox wore a uniform that said "Boston" on the front and not "Red Sox" which Papi pushed for to happen. Boston needed someone to rally around and he was that guy. He picked the city up of its feet. Papi was the cities leader.
David Ortiz was my favorite player ever since I was 3 years old. I always loved to watch him play, and every time he got up to bat I just had a feeling something special was about to happen. I'm beyond sad that I will never be able to watch him play again, but I am glad I got to witness one of the greatest players, leaders, and champions play the great game of baseball.
