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Multiple sources are reporting that Red Sox DH
David Ortiz will retire after the 2016 season. If the report is true,
Big Papi's Farewell Tour will likely rival that of
Derek Jeter. Ortiz has built a career in Boston that was matched by very few in Red Sox history. Officially lauded as the team's top clutch hitter, he will leave fans with innumerable heroic memories—mostly in the post-season. Year after year, Ortiz has defied his critics—putting up 30 HR/100 RBI seasons seemingly at will. Some of his iconic moments include:
the dramatic, 12th-inning, game-winning HR in Game Four of the 2004 ALCS;
the game-tying Grand Slam in Game Three of the 2013 ALCS;
the 10th-inning, walk-off, two-out, two-run homer in Game Three of the 2004 ALDS. In 2006,
Terry Francona perfectly summed up the impact of Ortiz,
"The Red Sox now have an unofficial team motto when they are trailing or tied in their final at-bat. It goes something like this: Get David Ortiz to the plate somehow, someway." Indeed.
