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| The Editor-In-Chief And Big Papi |
One day after news that he will retire at the end of next season,
David Ortiz turns 40 years old. The following nondescript entry appeared in the transactions section of
Baseball Prospectus back on January 25, 2003:
"Signed RHPs Ramiro Mendoza, Chad Fox, and Mike Timlin, 1B-L David Ortiz, INF-R Damian Jackson, DH-L Dave Nilsson, and 3B-B Bill Mueller to one-year contracts." A couple of pretty auspicious signings on that day—not the least of which was that of Big Papi. He was claimed off the Minnesota Twins "scrapheap" for $1.25 million. Twelve years later, Ortiz has played in 1,802 games in
Carmine Hose—clouting 445 HRs and knocking in 1,403 runs as a member of the Red Sox. He is the face of this Red Sox team, and one of the most beloved players in franchise history. A hearty Happy Birthday!
