MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — Seven of David Ortiz’s 13 seasons with the Boston Red Sox have ended with a playoff berth. Three of those seven ended with World Series champagne.
So as Ortiz prepares to call it a career following the 2016 campaign, you can bet the Red Sox would like nothing more than to give Big Papi a proper send-off.
“Given his track record in the postseason, it would be a disaster,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said before Friday night’s Red Sox Town Hall event at Foxwoods Resort Casino when asked about the possibility of missing the playoffs in Ortiz’s final season. “That’s a strong word, I guess. But a big disaster. It would be terrible if he doesn’t end his career in the postseason.”
The Red Sox hadn’t won a World Series since 1918 before Ortiz signed with Boston as a free agent prior to the 2003 season. Now, the Red Sox enter each season with championship aspirations, thanks in large to Ortiz’s contributions, particularly in October when the stakes are raised.
The reality, however, is the Red Sox have finished in last place in the two seasons since Ortiz captured his third World Series ring in 2013. And that’s something Boston’s brass is trying desperately to change, especially since Ortiz deserves to go out in style.
Tune in to Red Sox Town Hall on NESN on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
