University of Kwazulu-Natal

David Ortiz Becoming A Clutch Legend Needs A Deep Rewind 2004 Alcs

Bonisiwe Shabane
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david ortiz becoming a clutch legend needs a deep rewind 2004 alcs

Game 4 of the 2004 Red Sox-Yankees ALCS was a turning point for a rivalry, and the beginning of a whole new story. The miraculous 2004 Boston Red Sox run had to start somewhere, and that somewhere was an absolute pit: Down 3-0 against a despised rival, down to their very last chances in a potential elimination... For moments and memes like “The Steal” and “The Single” and “don’t let us win tonight” and everything after to become the stuff of legend, David Ortiz had to finish the job in Game... Before we watch him do that, we should revisit the stakes of this moment: Where Ortiz came from, and how totally written-off the Red Sox were before Big Papi’s opportunity to rescue them from... Let’s visit the end of the beginning. Let’s rewind!

David Ortiz put together quite the collection of signature moments throughout his 16-year career as the Red Sox's designated hitter. From spearheading Boston's historic 2004 ALCS comeback against the New York Yankees with walkoffs on back-to-back nights, to his 8th inning, game-tying grand slam against the Detroit Tigers in the 2013 ALCS that sent... Speaking with Sports Illustrated as part of his partnership with Topps, promoting their Bowman Baseball 2025 collection, Ortiz credited his upbringing for developing his clutch gene. "I think it's all come from where I come from," said Ortiz. "I grew tough, man, I grew up, you know, in a country where, back then more than now, [there] used to be a lack of opportunity ... I grew up in a family that basically [taught] me how to take advantage of opportunity because they don’t come from bunch, you know?

So I always took my job very serious, I always tried to be a step ahead of things." The eldest of four siblings from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ortiz devoted himself to baseball from an early age. Just after turning 17, he signed his first professional contract with the Seattle Mariners. Before that, he played Winter Ball —an experience he says helped him perform in the biggest moments: "The being clutch part of the game is very well associated with playing Winter Ball in the Dominican," Ortiz continued. "I mean, it's not the same to have friends and family expecting you to come through, watching you play baseball, then just having random people [in the MLB] ...

Your family, your friends, your close people, they come to watch you play. The word on the street is that you are the bada—, so you want to show them that you are the bada—. BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 19: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the Detroit Tigers during Game Six of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 19,... (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) David Ortiz, affectionately known as "Big Papi," etched his legacy into the Boston Red Sox history books with a blend of skill, clutch performances, and unforgettable moments that have forever endeared him to Red... BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 19: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the Detroit Tigers during Game Six of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 19,...

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Arriving in Boston in 2003, Ortiz's journey started with a modest batting average of .198 that season. However, it was his pinch-hit home run, using a borrowed bat from teammate Damian Jackson, that showcased his potential and foreshadowed the incredible moments that lay ahead. Reflecting on that moment, Ortiz expressed his hope for more such hits in the future. While the 2003 season might not have ended in championship glory for the Red Sox, Ortiz's impact was undeniable. His pivotal hit during the ALDS Game 4 against the Oakland A's, which helped stave off elimination, highlighted his knack for stepping up in crucial situations.

If you are a Boston Red Sox fan, it's hard not to get excited about some of the rumors that have been out there centered around the organization. Boston has said all of the right things so far. In the spider web of infinite potential offseason outcomes for the Boston Red Sox, one thing is clear: They need a power bat. Trevor Story led the Red Sox with 25 home runs this year, and while it was great to see a resurgence from the veteran shortstop, contending teams don't lack 30-homer bats. Here are three free agent first basemen who can potentially fill a major void for the Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox have been clear -- and candid -- that they are looking to be aggressive and shop at the top of the market this offseason.

Boston has been transparent that it's hoping to add a starting pitcher to put behind Garrett Crochet at the top of the rotation and a big bat in the middle of the lineup. How many of the National League MVPs in the Integration Era (since 1947) can you name in six minutes?

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