David Ortiz’s storied career reached its end point on Monday after the Boston Red Sox were defeated 4-3 by the Cleveland Indians, effectively getting swept in the ALDS. The loss turned out to be longtime DH David Ortiz’s final game. Clay Buchholz, a Red Sox teammate with Ortiz since 2007, expressed sadness Big Papi would no longer be his teammate.
“I haven’t cried after a baseball game since I was in Little League, probably, but tonight was different,” Buchholz told ESPN.com. “I’ve been around him my whole career, and knowing how much he loves the game and how much he would be around the game. If it was a possibility [to continue playing], he would be here.”
Ortiz was the Red Sox personified.
The 40-year-old was a powerhouse until the end, as in 2016, Ortiz hit 38 home runs, 127 RBI, a .315 average and a .401 OBP. Ortiz will be remembered for being an integral part of three Red Sox World Series Championships, winning the playoffs MVP Award in 2013. He hit 541 career home runs, a majority of which came in Boston. Ortiz’s production and personality will be missed by teammates and fans alike.
Boston’s lineup without Big Papi is going to be a strange sight. He’s been a staple in the middle of the order for a long, long time. Buchholz comments are likely representative of many Red Sox players. Ortiz will be missed, but at least he’s going out on top and on his own terms.
[theScore]
