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The top-5 moments of David Ortiz’s career

By Daniel Cassese

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after loosing to the Cleveland Indians 3-4 in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after loosing to the Cleveland Indians 3-4 in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Relive the greatest moments of David Ortiz’s career ahead of his number retirement.

It’s now been nearly eight months since David Ortiz‘s legendary career came to an end. In his final regular season game, the Red Sox gave him an illustrious show to celebrate his contributions to one of the game’s most storied franchises. On Friday, June 23, the Red Sox will once again celebrate him through the retirement of his number 34.

Once complete, Ortiz will join a list of names that include:

1– Bobby Doerr

4 — Joe Cronin

6 — Johnny Pesky

8 — Carl Yastrzemski

9 — Ted Williams

14 — Jim Rice

26 — Wade Boggs

27 — Carlton Fisk

45 — Pedro Martinez

All of the above names have plaques in Cooperstown. While Ortiz isn’t yet eligible for induction, he’ll surely be the next player to enter the Hall wearing a Red Sox cap.

Big Papi’s career numbers jump off the page. A .280/.380/.552 slash line, 541 home runs, 1,419 runs, 1,768 RBIs, a 140 wRC+, and 50.5 career WAR. Among Red Sox players, he has the most seasons with 100+ RBIs (10), the most seasons with 30+ home runs (10), owns the single-season home run record (54), is the only player in team history to hit 40+ homers in three straight seasons, and is one of just three to hit 40 or more in any three seasons.

David Ortiz may not have been the absolute best player in club history – that distinction still goes to Ted Williams – but he was undoubtedly the most important. Over the past week, we’ve heard countless recollections of what he’s done for the franchise off the field, how big a presence he was in the clubhouse, his playoff heroics, and how influential he was in the team’s three World Series titles. Rather than rehash them all, I’ve decided to condense that list. So in honor of the Large Father, here are the Top-5 Moments of David Ortiz’s career.

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