Fansided

David Ortiz goes yard on his final Opening Day (Video)

By John Buhler

Mar 28, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) on deck to bat during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) on deck to bat during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz crushes a home run off Cleveland Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer in Ortiz’s final Opening Day.

Earlier this year, Boston Red Sox beloved and likely Cooperstown-bound designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz announced that the 2016 MLB season would be his final season in the Major Leagues. Ortiz will play his final big league season at 40 years old, as one of the greatest designated hitters the game has ever seen.

The nine-time American League All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger award winner, member of the 500 home run club, and a three-time World Series Champion for the Red Sox (2004, 2007, 2013) began his final big league season with a bang by clobbering Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer’s offering on 2016 Opening Day in Cleveland.

Ortiz patiently waited on Bauer’s change-up that frankly got too much of the plate and was a tad high to be effective at the Major League level. The skilled hitter that Ortiz has been in his Hall of Fame worthy career was not fooled by Bauer’s pitch and promptly served it well over the 375 foot wall in right-centerfield of Progressive Field.

While Boston has had a rough last couple of years since winning the 2013 World Series over the St. Louis Cardinals, if there is a team that can put it all together for one magical season, the Red Sox have been that team for the last decade plus.

Keep in mind that the 2011 team collapsed down the stretch to miss the AL postseason and the 2012 year was a complete disaster with Bobby Valentine at the helm. The Red Sox have an interesting young corps, several great veterans, and a new ace in left-hander David Price at their disposal in 2016.

Perhaps Ortiz can win his fourth and final World Series Championship as the most decorated Boston slugger of the modern era in the MLB? If he can swing the lumber like he did on Bauer’s Opening Day offering, who’s to say that Big Papi can’t make it to his 10th All-Star Game in 2016 as a part of an on the rise Red Sox team?

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