BOSTON — David Ortiz earned his place in the Hall of Fame by intimidating opposing pitchers with his gaze when the outcome of games was at stake. But standing in front of the assembled crowd in Cooperstown when he delivers his induction speech is a whole different ball game, however.
“I can’t wait for it to be over,” said the former Boston Red Sox power hitter, speaking of the July 24 ceremony. I panic! It’s too much. It’s too big. »
The 10-time All-Star Gamer who helped the Red Sox win three World Series became the 58th player to be inducted in his first year of eligibility when he was the only player chosen by voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. A smaller selection committee also voted in favor of Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Minoso, Tony Oliva, Bud Fowler and Buck O’Neill, who will join it as the 2022 cohort at Cooperstown.
Ortiz had .286/.380/.552 offensive averages, hit 541 home runs and produced 1,768 runs in 20 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Red Sox. In nine playoff appearances, he averaged .289/.404/.543 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs. In 2013, he batted .688 in the World Series, winning the MVP award.
Among all these hits, several gave the victory to his own, allowing him to build the reputation of one of the best players under pressure in the history of baseball. He notably hit the game-winning hits in Games 4 and 5 of the 2004 All-American Championship Series against the New York Yankees, when the Red Sox came from behind 0-3 to win in seven matches. They then swept the St. Louis Cardinals for their first title since 1918.
For Ortiz, it’s all part of being a baseball player.
“I’m not saying it’s easy. But you get used to it, he said. I had a 20 year career. It was what was expected of me. You don’t expect to find yourself on a podium to be inducted into the Hall of Fame every day. »
To add to the stress, he will have to work as an analyst for the Fox network on July 19, for the all-star game.
“I’ve never had to manage so much at the same time. I’m pretty good at juggling different projects, but it’s not bad. »
Ortiz adds that his speech hasn’t progressed. Above all, he wishes to thank the people who have helped him along the way.
“There will be nothing extravagant. This is not the kind of speech that will take me three hours, he explained. I will highlight the contribution of important people in my life and my career. »
