This morning, the airwaves were electrified as the beloved Boston Red Sox legend, David Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” graced the airwaves of Toucher & Rich. Known for his towering home runs and clutch performances, shared a treasure trove of memories from his career with the Red Sox.
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 13: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox hits a game-tying grand slam in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 13, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
As a three-time World Series champion, Ortiz left an indelible mark on the team’s history, solidifying his place in the baseball Hall of Fame. Over the course of his career with the Sox, Ortiz’s notable stats are nothing short of jaw-dropping: 541 home runs, 1,768 RBIs, a .290 batting average, and a staggering 2,472 hits.
During the interview, Ortiz opened up about some of the more colorful moments behind the scenes during his Red Sox tenure. One particular incident was when he recounted how some members of the team almost got into a physical altercation with former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. Ortiz reminisced about former manager Terry Francona’s unique meeting style. He shared the hilarious revelation that Francona occasionally held team meetings while seated on the porcelain throne.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a pre-game ceremony in honor of the bombings of Marathon Monday before a game at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
But the storytelling didn’t stop there. The candid conversation turned to a slightly misfortunate yet memorable incident when Ortiz accidentally lost his $150,000 necklace down a sewer. He also shared his admiration for WBZ Boston’s Dan Roche, who covered the slugger throughout his Red Sox career.
ORTIZ THROUGHOUT THE YEARS:
ST LOUIS, MO – OCTOBER 27: David Ortiz #34 celebrates teammates Jonny Gomes #5 of the Boston Red Sox hitting a three run home run to left field against Seth Maness #61 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning during Game Four of the 2013 World Series at Busch Stadium on October 27, 2013 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez shares a laugh with designated hitter David Ortiz (34) prior to a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
ST LOUIS – OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Pedro Martinez #45, Curt Schilling #38 and David Ortiz 34 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 in game four of the World Series on October 27, 2004 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a pre-game ceremony in honor of the bombings of Marathon Monday before a game at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – OCTOBER 27: David Ortiz #34 celebrates teammates Jonny Gomes #5 of the Boston Red Sox hitting a three run home run to left field against Seth Maness #61 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning during Game Four of the 2013 World Series at Busch Stadium on October 27, 2013 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
