David Ortiz to join FOX’s pregame, postgame broadcast
By Aaron Somers
David Ortiz has accumulated plenty of postseason accolades in his playing career, having been a member of three World Series winning teams with the Boston Red Sox since 2004. The left-handed slugger has appeared in 82 playoff games, batting a collective .295/.409/.553 with 17 HR and 21 doubles. On top of the three rings, he also was the ALCS MVP in 2004 and the World Series MVP a year ago, hitting .688/.760/1.188 in the six game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Add some time behind the broadcast desk to Ortiz’s lengthy resume.
The often outspoken fan favorite is slated to join the FOX broadcast team for their pregame and postgame coverage of the World Series. He and Nick Swisher of the Cleveland Indians will sit alongside former MLB players Gabe Kapler and Frank Thomas.
Working active players into the mix during the playoffs is not a new practice for FOX. The network has seen success in the past doing so, notably with A.J. Pierzynski. Typically active players are able to offer a different perspective than some of the former ones that frequent these broadcasts, plus it’s often a fun gimmick to see as part of the mix.
The World Series begins later this evening, with the Kansas City Royals hosting the San Francisco Giants.
Ortiz, for what it’s worth, batted just .200/.200/.240 in 25 plate appearances against the Royals this season. His lone extra base hit was a double. The Red Sox did not play the Giants in 2014.