There are not many moments in sports history where an athlete is celebrated not only for what they do on the field, but also in society. Even fewer athletes have as much of an impact on a community like Red Sox legend David Ortiz has had. He is also someone that I have greatly enjoyed watching and following throughout my entire adolescence. He has been a role model for so many, especially when it seems like we have been lacking those type of people nowadays.
As a young child growing up, sports were always in my life. Whether I would be watching a Celtics or Patriots game with my dad, debating about them with my friend Matt, or just simply talking about sports with my uncle, athletics have been my escape from everyday life. David Ortiz was always one of my "Boston idols." For me, he will always be remembered as one of the most beloved athletes of our time because of his outgoing personality, and clutch timelines on the field when it mattered.
A time in my life that will always be remembered in the city of Boston, as well as in my household was, the year of 2013. Everyone knows that back in April of that year, we were struck with the tragedy of the marathon bombing. One of the most famous moments in baseball history was when Ortiz went onto the field the very next game, and gave a fantastic speech to the Fenway faithful about how our society needs to persevere through this negative situation. The crowd could not have been more proud to see their beloved Big Papi say those strong words despite the situation.
Ortiz giving his moving speech after the tragic bombing
Later that year, the Red Sox would win the world series, with Ortiz having the defining moment of the postseason with the go ahead grand slam in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers. The iconic homer shows a cop with his hands held high in the bullpen signifying that the tragedy from earlier in the year had not beaten the city of Boston. The moment will stand out to me, because I was finally old enough to understand how big of situation it really was.
This is obviously not the only time Ortiz has come through in a huge way. He has hit countless walk off hits throughout his storied postseason career. He was a huge part of the 2004 Red Sox championship team that broke the infamous eighty six year drought. Ortiz will be considered the greatest designated hitter ever, with well over two thousand hits, and over five hundred home runs.
But bigger than the statistics, and big time home runs, Ortiz will be remembered for his constant positive involvement in society. He visits children hospitals constantly from all around the country, and he is also one of the nicest guys to meet. I once heard a story that he visited a child with cancer in a Boston hospital, and promised her he would hit a home run for her. He later would hit a walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. That was 2006.
Now, in the year of 2016, Ortiz is entering his final postseason with the team that he has grown to cherish. He is still producing on a high level, hitting thirty plus home runs, and over a hundred RBIs. He hopes to lead the Red Sox to a fourth World Series championship in October. As he goes around each ballpark one last time, every fan gives him the respect that he deserves. Yes, he was hated at times, but you can't deny his greatness. And it will be extra great when the Fenway crowd gives him one more farewell cheer as he departs the field for the final time.
