As David Ortiz approached the plate in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 10-4 victory, he was eyeing history. Shortly after blasting his 399th career home run in the fifth, the Red Sox designated hitter had a chance to enter exclusive company.
Unfortunately, he struck out swinging on his first try at history. For now, Ortiz remains tied with Al Kaline and Andres Galarraga for 49th place on the all-time career home runs list, an achievement that he says he isn't focused on.
"Right now, that's something I don't really think about," Ortiz said. "I know at some point, when I'm not playing, you start realizing how good a career you probably had. Right now, my focus is just on contributions for this ball club, trying to win some games and put ourselves in a better situation."
The blast off Toronto pitcher Jesse Chavez marked Ortiz's 21st of the season, continuing his explosion at the plate. Over his last 15 games, the slugger has batted .347 with eight homers, four doubles, 16 RBIs and 17 runs scored.
At 36, the power spike is surprising, to say the least. In 2006 –– when he finished with a career-high 54 home runs –– Ortiz had unloaded 26 home runs at this point. Now, he's on the fast track to surpass the 29 round-trippers that he finished with last season.
"No secret," Ortiz said of his success this year. "Just see the ball and hit it. Keep it simple. I just want to put a good swing on the ball."
Since the offseason, the designated hitter was been motivated by the desire to earn a multiyear contract. When asked about Ortiz's barrage of bombs, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez subtly endorsed the designated hitter's desire for a new contract.
"It's awesome that's what he does," Gonzalez said. "That's why he should be here for a lot longer."
Whenever Ortiz launches No. 400, he'll certainly strengthen his case.
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