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Top 10 moments of David Ortiz’s career

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts standing at firdtbase in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during 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) reacts standing at firdtbase in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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8. Mr. Opening Day

OK, so the nickname “Mr. October” has already been given out to Reggie Jackson. Heck, Derek Jeter is known as “Mr. November”. David Ortiz deserves to be known as Mr. something. How about Mr. Opening Day? Ortiz often played very well on Opening Day. His last Opening Day against the Cleveland Indians in 2016 was no different. With a two-run home run off Trevor Bauer in the ninth inning, Ortiz has five home runs on Opening Day.

Not only did the home run put an exclamation point on his Opening Day career, it also got his retirement tour started right. There’s no better way to start the retirement tour for one of the most clutch hitters of all-time than with a ninth inning home run. The Red Sox beat the Indians 6-2 on Ortiz’s last first game of the season.

It started a magical season, both for Ortiz and the Red Sox. While the Red Sox couldn’t win one last title for Big Papi, Ortiz went out very close to the top. His 2016 season was one of his most productive. Sadly, Derek Jeter’s last season wasn’t great. He didn’t retire at the top of his game. Ortiz, however, can say he retired at the top. Or at least very close to it.

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