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Big Papi's 6 Greatest Red Sox Moments

Jeremy Bergman |
October 14, 2013 | 12:35 p.m. PDT

Senior Sports Editor

David Ortiz has a flair for the dramatic. (Keith Allison/Flickr)
David Ortiz has a flair for the dramatic. (Keith Allison/Flickr)
David Ortiz, or more affectionately known as Big Papi, is known for his late-game heroics. And he showed why again Sunday night.

Down 5-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Boston Red Sox had the bases loaded with two outs, just two innings removed from being no-hit by Tigers ace Max Scherzer. Detroit's bullpen imploded, using four pitchers in the eighth before settling on right-hander Joaquin Benoit to face Big Papi. 

But on the first pitch, Ortiz did this

The Sawx would go on to win it in the ninth, cementing Ortiz's grand slam as a fixture in the pantheon of great Boston home runs. But where does it rank among Big Papi's best moments?

 

 

Over Angels in the Outfield - 2004 ALDS Game 3 against Anaheim Angels

The start of it all, this homer took Boston to its first ALCS since 1999 and, in hindsight, was only a preface to the magical run that the Sox and Ortiz would have throughout the remainder of the postseason. 

The Comeback is On - 2004 ALCS Game 4 against New York Yankees

Only one night earlier, the Red Sox were decimated by the Bronx Bombers, 19-8, and were written off as dead to rights. Even in the ninth inning of Game 4, a series comeback seemed improbable, if not impossible - the Sox's chances of winning the game were a slim 23% against the greatest closer in the game. But a Kevin Millar walk, a Dave Roberts steal and a Bill Mueller RBI single tied the game up and set Fenway into a frenzy.

That set the stage for Big Papi. In the bottom of the 12th, Ortiz stepped up to the plate with Manny Ramirez on first. He sent Paul Quantrill's fourth pitch into the right field bleachers, and gave Boston new life…for at least one more day. 

Big Papi, Little Bloop - 2004 ALCS Game 5 against New York Yankees

He can't do it again, can he? After homering in the eighth inning to cut a Yankee lead down to 4-3, Ortiz came to the plate again in the bottom of the 14th with two men on in a tied ball game. But this time, the designated hitter didn't power Boston to victory… (Jump to 4:51:33)

 

It's Time to Fight - July 8, 2011 against Baltimore Orioles

Note to self: Do not pitch Papi inside.

This is Our F*cking City - April 20, 2013

Following the Boston Marathon bombings and a panicked manhunt that ensued, sports in Beantown finally resumed. Wearing a home jersey that said "Boston" instead of the normal "Red Sox", Ortiz, the team's veteran leader, took the mic and offered some frank words of inspiration for the weary, but strong city.

The Grandest Slam - 2013 ALCS Game 2 against Detroit Tigers

Again, for old time's sake.

As a Yankees fan, it pains me to highlight Ortiz's playoff prowess - he tied Bronx immortal Babe Ruth Sunday night with his 16th posteason home run. However, there is no denying that baseball fans expect and witness magic every time Big Papi steps to the plate in October. 

 

Reach Senior Sports Editor Jeremy Bergman here. Follow him on Twitter



 

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