Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/732873
As Red Sox Nation discovered in 2004, number 34 also had the ability to deliver what was once thought an impossibility: a World Series title in Boston. Three years later, another one. And then, on October 13, 2013, Ortiz cemented his status as the greatest clutch hitter in Red Sox history. His team was an inch away from falling behind two games to none in the American League Championship Series—a deficit that would have put their World Series dreams on life sup- port. With the bases loaded and his team trailing by four in the eighth inning, Ortiz stepped up to the plate. First pitch: grand slam. Pandemonium at Fenway Park. The radio call from broadcaster Dave O'Brien said it all: "David Ortiz! David Ortiz! David Ortiz!" Even at the age of 40, even in the midst of a begrudg- ing farewell tour, the triumphant story continues for Ortiz, who has registered perhaps the single greatest season ever for a player of his age. With still a week and a half left to play in the season, he launched his 36th home run of the year—more than any player in MLB history has ever hit in his final season. He also owns the record for most homers by a player aged 40 or older. In turning back the clock, he's put forth his best all-around season since 2007, when he was 31 years old. He's the eldest player on the Red Sox roster, 11 years older than the average MLB player, but he still carries the most important bat in Boston's explosive lineup. "To see a guy hit like he's hit at 39 and 40 is just insane. You just don't see it," Massarotti says. "What you're seeing is ridiculous. To say that it's rare doesn't do it justice." This type of production at age 40 is significant on its own, but it has also created something never before thought possible: It's brought about comparisons to Ted Williams. This may be Ortiz's grandest accomplishment. Forget the actual debate; the mere suggestion is a remarkable feat. For 60 years, most of the baseball world has considered Williams to be The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived. Yet here is Ortiz, not long ago Jeremy Giambi's backup at first base, vying to steal the crown. "There have been players who have been the face of their team," says Larry Lucchino, the former Red Sox president and CEO, who played a major role in signing Ortiz back in January 2003. "But there's been no one with the combination of presence and personality and performance, and just the powerful impact that David Ortiz is leaving behind." His impact, however, is not restricted to the Red Sox. As Ortiz has aged, he has become the sport's greatest ambassador, taking time before, during, and after games to embrace teammates and opponents alike. He is ensuring that the wisdom he has gained in 20-plus years of professional baseball will live on in the next generation. He has become, essentially, the resident dad in Major League Baseball. After all these years, he has grown into his nickname. "He's got the biggest heart in baseball," Lucchino says. "When you make somebody feel better about him- self and you can be somebody who has advice [on how] to do things better and you can make a difference in somebody else's life, I think that's what to me matters the most," Ortiz says. "I'm a friendly guy. I'm a person who wants everybody to be fine. So, really, I feel like that's one of the things that I worry the most about. Because anybody can have an oh-for-four, anybody can have a bad season, anybody can have a The champion: Ortiz poses with his three World Series rings and 2013 World Series MVP ring prior to a game at Fenway Park. Swan song: Ortiz hits a home run against the Houston Astros earlier this year. "To see a guy hit like he's hit at his age is just insane. To say that it's rare doesn't do it justice," says sports radio host Tony Massarotti. 2013 2016