Top 10 moments of David Ortiz’s career

Ranking the 10 defining moments of David Ortiz’s career.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is officially retired following the Cleveland Indians’ sweep of the Red Sox in the ALDS. Ortiz is a polarizing player, but everyone has to respect Big Papi and his accomplishments. He is one of the most universally respected players, even getting applause in New York and Baltimore during his farewell tour.

Ortiz will go down in history as arguably the second best designated hitter of all-time. His career will likely take him to Cooperstown. Thanks to his countless clutch hits, he will go down as this generation’s Mr. October. With three World Series rings, he’ll retire as one of Boston’s greatest champions of all-time. Ortiz will be forever known as the man who broke the Red Sox curse in 2004.

Here are the 10 defining moments from the career of David Ortiz.

10. The Legend Begins

Ortiz came to the Red Sox during the 2002 offseason, following a six-year tenure with the Minnesota Twins. He arrived in Boston as a platoon hitter, mainly facing right-handed pitchers. Ortiz quickly became the everyday designated hitter in June of 2003. He had a career season (to that point), hitting 31 home runs, 39 doubles, 101 RBIs, and a .961 OPS.

Ortiz officially became “Big Papi” on Sunday Oct. 5, 2003. On that date, Ortiz gave the Red Sox the lead with a go ahead double in Game 4 of the ALDS. Ortiz hit the double when the Red Sox needed him the most. It was a sign of things to come. The double put the Red Sox in the ALCS and helped them beat the Oakland Athletics in five games.

He had some of his best years in Boston. It all started back in 2003. Nobody knows why Ortiz became so good so quickly. Whatever it was, Ortiz became a monster. And he became that monster on Oct. 5, 2003.