David Ortiz will retire at end of 2016 season.

[staz]

November 28, 1992:
Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent.

August 29, 1996: The Seattle Mariners sent a player to be named later to the Minnesota Twins for Dave Hollins.

September 13, 1996:
the Seattle Mariners sent David Ortiz to the Minnesota Twins to complete an earlier deal made on August 29, 1996.

December 16, 2002:
Released by the Minnesota Twins.


Takeaway: David Ortiz was certainly a player to be named later.

 

[NAR29996]

I need to make all 3 games in Houston next season. The cancer treatments can wait. Maybe.

 

[mwonow]

Already getting dusty here, just thinking about it...

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

November 28, 1992:
Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent.

August 29, 1996: The Seattle Mariners sent a player to be named later to the Minnesota Twins for Dave Hollins.

September 13, 1996:
the Seattle Mariners sent David Ortiz to the Minnesota Twins to complete an earlier deal made on August 29, 1996.

December 16, 2002:
Released by the Minnesota Twins.


Takeaway: David Ortiz was certainly a player to be named later.

Ortiz in 96 and Varitek and Lowe after. Jesus that team made some awful moves.

Over/Under on Ortiz statue being unveiled before end of 2016?

 

[E5 Yaz]

David Ortiz was certainly a player to be named later.

In more ways than one

 

[phrenile]

I seem to recall some discussion about her at the time on SOSH. After some research, IIRC, it was discovered that she is actually a hard-core fan (maybe even season ticket holder) with some sort of affliction which kept her in such a stoic pose.

Can anyone back me up?

You mean the wheelchair she's sitting in in that photo?

 

[terrisus]

You mean the wheelchair she's sitting in in that photo?

Yeah, I think it varies at times, but I know on at least a couple of occasions, the row right behind the bullpen is one of the "ambulatory seating" areas.

 

[kelpapa]

This is my favorite David Ortiz story from when he was with the Mariners.

When I heard it on the radio today that he was announcing, I didn't hear the bit about it being after the 2016. I'm so thankful we get one last year with him.

 

[AbbyNoho]

I love that man.

 

[lxt]

If he does not make it to the HOF then baseball is just plain wrong.

 

[Oppo]

I'll set the o/u for career homeruns (503) at Mickey Mantle (536). No way he gets to Schmidt (548).

 

[Blue Monkey]

Hope to see a few more of these

And this....

 

[Comebacker to Foulke]

When I was a kid a very long time ago, I dreamed that maybe someday the Red Sox would have a guy who I could point to as a WS hero. Just one guy, just one win in the WS.

I'm very grateful for all the badass muthafukkah AB's. Thanks Papi.

 

[JasonVaritekIsMyCaptain]

Yeah, I think it varies at times, but I know on at least a couple of occasions, the row right behind the bullpen is one of the "ambulatory seating" areas.

Sorry everyone, I deleted the initial comment. Meant to be lighthearted joke, I had no idea that was the handicap row.

 

[curly2]

It's amazing what he's accomplished.


What a pleasure he's been to watch.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Wow, I saw this yesterday and was totally stunned. Not mentally prepared for the end of the Big Papi era.

Here's hoping his last hit of 2016 is a garbage-time homerun into the Fenway bleachers, with the Sox way out ahead in the last game of the World Series.

All that love, let it FLO!

 

[Saints Rest]

You mean the wheelchair she's sitting in in that photo?

It was more than that. It wasn't just that she couldn't stand, she couldn't raise her arms or look gleeful. But the point was that she was no fair-weather pink hat fan who was missing the awesome play that had just enfolded directly in front of her.

 

[JimD]

Wonder if watching Peyton Manning go straight over the cliff this season has convinced Papi not to push things too far.

 

[shoebox91]

Wonder if watching Peyton Manning go straight over the cliff this season has convinced Papi not to push things too far.

I actually thought the same thing. Papi isn't dumb and does not want to be remembered as anything less than great. He could hang on and stat pad if he wanted to but I think he stands a better HOF chance if he goes out on top.

 

[Ribeye]

I had never seen the GIF of him walking out of the batter's box during the pitcher's windup. Hilarious. Bad ass. Put us on your back and carry us to one more championship large father!

 

[Al Zarilla]

It's amazing what he's accomplished.


What a pleasure he's been to watch.

That is great. Anybody else get a big extra charge as soon as it turned to the 2004 ALCS heroics? It's as if the previous hits, although huge at the time, were like spring training compared to the regular season. The walkoff against the Angels in game 3, for example; we were winning that series anyway. What a great and wonderful dude he's been.

 

[pjr]

David OrtizVerified account‏@davidortiz 12m12 minutes ago

2016 will be my final season. Thanks for all the memories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKHQA3N5OD0…

 

[jayhoz]

 

[BoSoxLady]

Attending the Bash on June 4th will be a great opportunity to say farewell to David Ortiz.

 

[jimbobim]

Britton absolutely hits this Ortiz piece out of the park..... Must Read IMHO
http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20151118/SPORTS/151119304/SHARED/st_refDomain=t.co&st_refQuery=/Ww1jha228C

 

[soxhop411]

“@TonyMassarotti: Also, some indication that in lieu of gifts, Ortiz will ask clubs honoring him to donate to his Children’s Fund. @985TheSportsHub @cbsboston”

 

[Minneapolis Millers]

Britton absolutely hits this Ortiz piece out of the park..... Must Read IMHO
http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20151118/SPORTS/151119304/SHARED/st_refDomain=t.co&st_refQuery=/Ww1jha228C

Agreed. The tone was just right. (I do have to quibble with his suggestion that Wiliams "might" be on the Mount Rushmore of hitters, but that's a digression...)

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

“@TonyMassarotti: Also, some indication that in lieu of gifts, Ortiz will ask clubs honoring him to donate to his Children’s Fund. @985TheSportsHub @cbsboston”

I don't know what "some indication" means, but if this isn't 100% confirmed, it's completely bullshit to publish this. What's he supposed to do now if that hadn't been his intention: "Sorry children, I'm keeping this Dodge pick-up truck from the Twins for myself. Tough break."

 

[ngruz25]

Can't believe it's been 13 years since Opening Day of 2003, when he made his Red Sox debut, batting 7th and playing DH.

But enough about Jeremy Giambi.

Even though he didn't make the opening day lineup, Ortiz did start the next game (at 1B!). He went 0-6 in a very memorable 16-inning win over the Devil Rays. That game was the second straight game blown by the newfangled "closer by committee". This time, Kevin Millar bailed out the immortal Bob Howry with a 16th-inning solo home run.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

I don't know what "some indication" means, but if this isn't 100% confirmed, it's completely bullshit to publish this. What's he supposed to do now if that hadn't been his intention: "Sorry children, I'm keeping this Dodge pick-up truck from the Twins for myself. Tough break."

Does that surprise you from Mazz? He;s setting himself up for a month's worth of material for his radio show.

 

[AB in DC]

I don't know what "some indication" means, but if this isn't 100% confirmed, it's completely bullshit to publish this. What's he supposed to do now if that hadn't been his intention: "Sorry children, I'm keeping this Dodge pick-up truck from the Twins for myself. Tough break."

I'm sure Ortiz can promise them a hefty donation from his own bank account when all is said and done.

 

[JoePoulson]

I guess this is how folks felt when Yaz hung 'em up. I was 9 in 1983 so I didn't truly understand the significance of his retirement at the time.

As so many others have already said, this was inevitable, but I'm still devastated. Gonna be an awesome 2016 season.

 

[KenTremendous]

The sight of Ortiz rounding first, arm raised, as the entire rest of the team runs the other way toward home plate, is the greatest sight human eyes can see.

 

[terrisus]

I don't know what "some indication" means, but if this isn't 100% confirmed, it's completely bullshit to publish this. What's he supposed to do now if that hadn't been his intention: "Sorry children, I'm keeping this Dodge pick-up truck from the Twins for myself. Tough break."

Why not both?
Have every team shower him with gifts, and make a matching donation?

But, yeah, unless Ortiz told him directly, rather a jerk move from Massarotti.

 

[Rovin Romine]

I'm actually kind of relieved he's hanging them up while he can still produce at a high level. See Rice, Jim.

 

[montoursvillefan]

My favorite nickname for him was Flo.

Can't wait for a year of quadrangulars.

Dude is a legend.

This, flo.

 

[chrisfont9]

He absolutely deserves it and I hope my comment wasn't interpreted as he doesn't. I just don't think the non-stop hype of farewell tours is necessary and after a while it starts getting old.

I can say that in the DR Ortiz is the man. I was at a resort a few years ago and every employee who saw my B hat talked about Big Papi like he was a god. They were more enamored with Ortiz than Pedro Martinez.

I get a strong sense that Ortiz is a big deal to a lot of Latin players and coaches, and that in that smaller-than-it-seems world of baseball his personality and his more genuine contributions to others are noteworthy. So the farewell tour isn't quite as horrible as all that. Hopefully teams will be a bit more muted than the Jeter ball washing contest we suffered through. Some videos and charitable contributions.

This could actually be a pretty smart move to shore up support for his HOF candidacy, *if* he can go out near the top with another good year. Baseball writers young and old are attuned to the game's history, and they will likely appreciate his accomplishments even more this coming season knowing that this is it for David. If he can help lead the Red Sox back to relevancy and to the playoffs one more time, I can see that being the kind of plus mark that could push a few more voters over into the 'Yes' column in 2022 or 2023.

Totally. Like any sportswriter vote, it's partly a junior high-style popularity contest, and Ortiz is going to win that one big time. He was already a big personality, and the farewell tour will just increase the focus on what he's done and who he is.

I'm accepting of it for now but I'll be bummed when it actually happens. I will never forget how in 2004 it was time to replace my Nomar jersey and the Ramirez authentic jersey was $10 cheaper on eBay than the Ortiz one. Just reinforcing the fact that people shouldn't listen to me, if possible. I'll be there for all his games in Seattle.

 

[E5 Yaz]

On ESPN's baseball podcast today, Olney, Stark and Crasnick each said they expected the NYT PED list to keep Papi from being a first-ballot HoF'er ... although each said he was worthy.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

First ballot or keep him out all together? I don't think he'd be first ballot even without out unless all the old men who immediately discount DHs croak between now and then.

 

[E5 Yaz]

First ballot. Sorry for the confusion

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Why not both?
Have every team shower him with gifts, and make a matching donation?

But, yeah, unless Ortiz told him directly, rather a jerk move from Massarotti.

As I recall, a lot of farewell gifts for both Jeter and Rivera included donations to their respective charity foundations in addition to whatever kitsch the teams came up with.

 

[Sox and Rocks]

Like everyone else, I will miss the Large Father. I'm not a jersey guy; as an adult, I only own one athletic jersey, and it is an Ortiz jersey with "Papi" on the back. I love it almost as much as I generally despise jerseys.

As for the steroid/legacy talk, the NYT report referenced above is the only implication of Ortiz and steroids, and even that report is largely suspect, correct? Am I missing anything else?

 

[terrisus]

As for the steroid/legacy talk, the NYT report referenced above is the only implication of Ortiz and steroids, and even that report is largely suspect, correct? Am I missing anything else?

People not liking the Red Sox/Ortiz and wanting an excuse to discount them/him.

Literally the only person I ever heard mention it after it was initially discussed was a Yankee fan.

 

[Sox and Rocks]

People not liking the Red Sox/Ortiz and wanting an excuse to discount them/him.

Literally the only person I ever heard mention it after it was initially discussed was a Yankee fan.

Right, which is why I thought this thread would would be a good place to discuss this. I've seen the Ortiz/steroid connection mentioned many times, and clearly the fact that it was mentioned by Olney on ESPN (insert snide and accurate ESPN remark here) speaks to this supposed connection, but I am not aware of any evidence other than the NYT report.

 

[scotian1]

Those tests, that were before baseball made using PEDs against their rules, were supposedly to be kept secret. If I remember correctly they didn't even identify what substance Ortiz was supposed to have tested positive for either. For the past 2 years being tested multiple times a year, he has never tested positive for anything. ( This guilty by suspicion which has limited voting for several players that should already be in the Hall is ridiculous, but that is a topic for another thread.)
David Ortiz is a Hall of Famer. Not only is he the best DH ever, the timeliness of his home runs and post season record are remarkable. I hope he can match Ted's feat of a home run in his last at bat. I wouldn't bet against it.

 

[chrisfont9]

First ballot.

I think it's weird that nothing more ever came of the PEDs thing. If he were cheating, we've had a good decade for someone to dredge up *something* on the guy, besides a list with his name on it for some reason. I have a pretty cautious (even cynical) view of players and PEDs, but if Papi ever indulged, he must have dialed it back pretty far and fast.

 

[Rovin Romine]

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/david-ortiz-on-the-record/

Ortiz himself on the whole PED thing.

 

[iayork]

David Ortiz is a Hall of Famer. Not only is he the best DH ever

His career OPS+ is 8 points lower than Edgar Martinez (139 vs 147). Edgar played 18 years and left with a career line of 312/.418/.515; Ortiz will retire after 20 and currently is sitting at .284/.378/.547.

We can love Big Papi without saying he's the best DH ever.

 

[chrisfont9]

We can love Big Papi without saying he's the best DH ever.

Also by career bWAR the score is Edgar 68.3, Papi 50.4 (and both are close to net 0 for defense). Martinez had ten amazing seasons from age 27-38, as opposed to Papi positing nine good-to-great seasons out of 13 years. Statistically it's not as close as people would think, and if Ortiz gets into the Hall, as he should, (Papi is the awesomest DH ever!) then Edgar has to go too.

 

[In my lifetime]

I do think one of the interesting side effects of the announcement is HRam now has a spot in 2017 as the DH. So 1B unless it goes much better than most expect would be for only 1 year. I guess if he is adequate there, he can rotate at 1B/DH starting in 2017. DH would also likely keep HRam healthier in the future.

For this year, I would expect Shaw at 1B in every game in the 8th or 9th depending on where the Rs are in the batting order.