David Ortiz, or “Big Papi” as he is so affectionately known to legions of Boston Red Sox fans, carved out a career that few could ever hope to match.
In 20 big league seasons, mostly in Boston, Ortiz became a legend of the game who will always be remembered for his exploits on the diamond and outstanding personality away from the field.
He was a significant part of the Red Sox finally erasing the 86-year World Series drought with a championship in 2004.
Ortiz then went on to add more magic as part of title-winning Boston teams in 2007 and 2013, and he received the game’s ultimate prize when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
The DH and first baseman was also a ten-time All-Star and even won a Home Run Derby.
Now the team has repaid some of the enormous debt to its former player with a great move.
ESPN reported that the Red Sox selected D’Angelo Ortiz, the son of the legendary star, in the MLB draft.
The Boston Red Sox have drafted D’Angelo Ortiz, the son of David Ortiz ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uiGjqEVuV3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 16, 2024
The younger Ortiz was chosen in the 19th round of the 2024 draft after playing for Miami-Dade College as an infielder.
While his father was known for his long shots as a slugger, D’Angelo is more of a hitter for average.
The elder Ortiz was last on the major league playing field in 2016, and he ended his sporting career with a bang.
All he did at age 40 was slug 38 more home runs and drive in 127 runs.
That RBI total topped the American League, as did his 48 doubles – at 40.
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