1. David Ortiz – ’04 ALCS
It might seem obvious, or even a little cheap, that I have Ortiz in the ’04 ALCS taking home the #1 spot on this list. But who are we kidding? Not only was Big Papi’s run during the ’04 championship series one of the most impressive postseason displays in franchise history, it was far and away the most significant performance by a Red Sox player in October. Ortiz in ’04 changed everything for the Red Sox and their fans. By the end of the series Red Sox fans had gone from a group that was always afraid something would go wrong, to a confident bunch that felt like the World Series was their’s for the taking.
Ortiz’ dismantling of the Yankees in ’04 helped Red Sox fans believe that they could beat the Yankees. And let’s be honest – it was about time they did. Ortiz didn’t just lead the Red Sox to their 9th American League pennant at that point, he changed the entire mindset of the fanbase and the organization forever
Over the course of the ALCS, Ortiz hit .387/.457/.742, hit 3 HRs and 1 3B(!), knocked in 11 runs, scored 6 runs, and compiled 12 hits and 4 walks. Papi led the Red Sox’s historic comeback from beginning to end. Between his walk off HR in Game 4, his solo shot and walk off single in Game 5, and his HR in Game 7, Ortiz showed up when the Red Sox needed him most and would continue to do so until retiring after last season.
Next: Porcello a postseason liability
For me at least, Ortiz in the ’04 ALCS is the clear #1 when it comes to most memorable Red Sox postseason moments. While they look like they could really use his magic again as they try to gear up for October this fall, let’s hope this year’s Red Sox can make some memories of their own and shock the baseball world.