Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz Sets Record for Most Homers in Final Season
By Kit Anderson
David Ortiz has now hit more home runs than any other player in the final season of their career. The Boston Red Sox are hoping he will make a few more memories before hanging it up.
David Ortiz is having a final season to remember at 40 years old. The Boston Red Sox slugger set a new record on Tuesday for most home runs hit in a final season. He has hit 36 homers this season while knocking in plenty of runners and hitting for a very high average. The previous record was set by Dave Kingman in 1986 with the Oakland A’s. He was 37 at the time.
If this is indeed the last regular season we see David Ortiz, he has reminded everyone just what he is capable of bringing to a team. He hits not only for power but for average as well and helps keep the clubhouse where it should be.
He has been the leader of the Red Sox team for a very long time, a spot that will be interesting to see who fills it when Ortiz leaves the team. For now, though, the Red Sox’s focus is solely on this postseason and sending Ortiz out the right way.
The team has received underrated pitching contributions from Rick Porcello (who may be rewarded with a Cy Young for his efforts) and Steven Wright. David Price hasn’t been the ace that he was previously but still has been pretty solid this season for the Red Sox.
The offense is led by David Ortiz and star outfielder Mookie Betts. Both players are having amazing seasons that the average major league player will never reach. Ortiz may not have Betts’ speed but he is making up for it by hitting for a high average, something he struggled to do at some points in his career.
Mookie Betts is having an MVP-worthy season hitting for power and playing great defense. Once Ortiz has left he should be the face of the franchise, if he is not already. He has had back-to-back great seasons now and appears to be comparable to the likes of Bryce Harper or Mike Trout.
Ortiz and Betts will be a tough duo to face for any postseason team this October. They are both having memorable seasons, though the recent record set by Ortiz and at his age may make his the more impressive of the two. The Red Sox should enjoy Ortiz in the lineup while they can as we near the final week of the regular season.