David Ortiz Voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame 2022

(Photo by The Guardian)

Published Jan. 26, 2022

By David A. Avila

Only one retired baseball player David “Big Papi” Ortiz was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the most prestigious elite group in all sports and it came on his first year of eligibility on Tuesday.

Those no longer eligible are Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and other players alleged to have used PEDs.

Boston Red Sox slugger Ortiz was the only player selected by the Baseball Writers Association of America and obtained 77.9 percent of the vote.

“Man, I first of all want to thank God for giving me the opportunity for being a part of this very elite group,” said Ortiz from the Dominican Republic with his friend Pedro Martinez standing in the background with members of Ortiz’s family and friends.

Last year no player garnered enough votes. This year Ortiz, in his first year of eligibility, captured the attention of the voters with his career accomplishments especially as one of the best clutch hitters in postseason history.

Ortiz was an important cog in the Boston Red Sox organization helping them win World Series championships in 2004, 2007 and 2013, after they had been unable to capture the coveted title since 1918. His ability to deliver key hits during the most pivotal moments made indelible impressions on anyone following baseball.

Most people remember Ortiz delivering key homeruns against the New York Yankees after nearly getting swept four games. But with two outs Ortiz delivered the key hit to keep the Red Sox hopes alive and they would go on to sweep the Yanks four straight.

It’s just one of many great moments Ortiz would give to Red Sox fans and others during his career.

The affable Ortiz thanked many including fellow teammate and countryman and fellow Hall of Famer Martinez. It was the great pitcher who advised the Boston organization to sign Ortiz when he was offered on waivers by the Minnesota Twins.

“He took me to the Red Sox when I had no job. He was the guy that knew I had the talent. He kept on telling me and whispering on my ear that the time was going to come,” said Ortiz of Martinez. “One thing that I learned is when opportunity is not there, once you get it, don’t let go.”

And Ortiz didn’t let go. Once inserted he slipped into a level that few could match.

Kevin Millar, one of his teammates during his Boston introduction, remembered competing with Big Papi along with numerous other players for a spot on the team. He said Ortiz was above them all.

“We go to Anaheim in May and Papi can’t get no at bats,” said Millar on Zoom while congratulating Ortiz. “That week was when you got the opportunity. You went to that next level.”

During a career that spanned from 1997 to 2016, Ortiz played first base early and then settled into a designated hitter role and thrived. As the center of the batting order he was able to belt out homers and runs batted in on a successive basis.

“It was a learning process. Here we are,” Ortiz said.

After two decades of excellence even rival teams and their fans approved of the man they called “Big Papi” with endearment.

“It was amazing going through all those cities. Most amazing thing was when I made that stop in New York. I was expecting the worst. But it was so classy the way they did it,” said Ortiz about Yankee Stadium applauding their most dangerous rival with cheers and gifts.

As a player he kept fans spellbound with his ability to produce in the sport’s biggest moments. He also was a consistent hitter who was a 10-time all star hitting 541 homeruns and a .286 career batting average.

Ortiz becomes the fourth player of Dominican descent to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame joining Pedro Martinez, Juan Marichal and Vladimir Guerrero.

“I played with players that had more talent than me,” said Ortiz. “I always tell people, the dream that I would play in the Major Leagues was the dream.”

He was the only player elected this year by the BWAA. Ortiz will join Tony Oliva, Minnie Minoso, Jim Kaat, Gil Hodges, Buck O’Neil and Bud Fowler who were selected by the Golden Days and Early Baseball Era committees. All will be formally inducted on July 24 at Cooperstown, New York.