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Boston Red Sox: 10 greatest hitters in franchise history

By Sean Penney

Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (R) is congratulated his solo homer by teammate Manny Ramirez in the top of the first innings against Japan's Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game in the Tokyo Dome on March 22, 2008.The Boston Red Sox managed a narrow 6-5 victory against Tigers in an exhibition game here, days ahead of the official season opening games against the Oakland Athletics. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (R) is congratulated his solo homer by teammate Manny Ramirez in the top of the first innings against Japan's Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game in the Tokyo Dome on March 22, 2008.The Boston Red Sox managed a narrow 6-5 victory against Tigers in an exhibition game here, days ahead of the official season opening games against the Oakland Athletics. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Red Sox David Ortiz
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 4: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox shows off his 2004, 2007 and 2013 championship rings along with a ring honoring his 2013 World Series MVP selection during a ceremony honoring the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox before the start of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 4, 3014 in Boston, Masschusetts. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz

It’s a tough call between Manny and David Ortiz, who anchored the Red Sox lineup together for over half a decade. Ramirez has a comfortable advantage in the slash line categories but Ortiz has the longevity with 14 seasons in Boston to pile up more counting stats. Along with his clutch playoff performances and the significant impact he had as an icon in this city, Big Papi gets the edge.

The Red Sox scooped Ortiz off the scrap heap when he was discarded by the Minnesota Twins and he immediately turned his career around. Ortiz had a breakout year in 2003 when he hit 31 homers and drove in 101 RBI.

Ortiz would go on to make 10 All-Star appearances and earn seven Silver Sluggers while establishing himself as the greatest designated hitter in MLB history.

His 483 home runs in a Red Sox uniform are the second-most in franchise history. He set the single-season franchise record with 54 home runs in 2006. Ortiz also led the league in RBI that year for the second consecutive season.

He wasn’t often a batting title contender but Ortiz hit a solid .290 during his tenure with the Red Sox and hit at least .300 in seven of his 14 seasons in Boston. His .570 SLG is fourth in franchise history.

Bias against the DH prevented Ortiz from capturing an MVP award but he finished as the runner-up in 2005 and was top-five on the ballot in five consecutive seasons.

Ortiz was a key member of three World Series championship teams in Boston. He shined brightest on the playoff stage, swatting 17 career postseason home runs. His resume is decorated with some of the most memorable postseason performances in franchise history, from game-winning grand slams to clutch walk-off hits.

Age and injuries eventually got the better of him but Ortiz managed to grind through one more sensational season at the age of 40. He hit .315 with 38 home runs while leading the league with 48 doubles, 127 RBI, a .620 SLG and 1.021 OPS during his farewell tour in 2016.

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