DAVID ORTIZ HALL OF FAME SPEECH

Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for David Ortiz:

Born David Amerigo Ortiz Arias in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Nickname: “Big Papi”

Clovis Wheat Kings 1998-1999; Chicago Mobsters 2000, 2003-09, 2017; East Erie Lake Storm 2000; Oregon Neon Knights 2001-2002; Owensboro Onslaught 2010-2012; New York Outlaws 2013-2016; Hollywood Werewolves 2017

Drafted four times; twice in dispersal drafts, and once in an expansion draft; involved in six trades.

Played 21 seasons for seven different teams, including three different stints with the Chicago Mobsters, where he made four postseason appearances and played in three World Series. He was a part of the Mobsters’ World Championship team of 2008. David also participated in the postseason with the New York Outlaws and the Owensboro Onslaught, seeing playoff action in seven different seasons and compiling nine HRs and 30 RBI.

He was a five-time All-Star, representing Chicago three times and New York twice.

Career stats: .272 batting average, .889 OPS, 1323 runs, 2264 hits, 476 HRs, 1456 RBI, 646 doubles.

Known for his clutch hits and big power, he hit more than 30 HRs eight times and was over 20 HRs 13 times. He drove in more than 100 runs five times. He had highs for both in 2006, with 47 HRs and 152 RBI.

It is my pleasure and honor to introduce one of “My Boys” & the newest member of the MWBL Hall of Fame, David Ortiz

DavidOrtiz2020PlaqueDavid Ortiz‘s Speech:

Hello, Hello, Hello! Buenos Dias! Thank you, Mr. Commissioner! Gracias, Gracias!

I am so happy to be here with everybody today, with all these great, great players behind me on this stage, with my fellow inductees Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and especially with you fans who have supported me throughout my career!

I am so grateful and have so many people to thank! First of all, my beautiful wife Tiffany. You have been with me through it all! I love you, and GO PACKERS!!

Of course, my parents, Enrique Ortiz and Angela Arias, who gave me life and love, and provided for me and instilled in me to embrace life and do my best and work hard.

My career proves that even if things don’t go well at first, or if things aren’t going smoothly, you should always believe in yourself and keep working. I struggled to establish myself, but with lots of work, and with plenty of people believing in me, I was able to bring out my ability. One of my biggest supporters and believers was Stray Corrado, owner of the Chicago Mobsters, who just couldn’t get rid of me, I kept coming back! Three times! All those playoff games sure were fun! I’m so happy we were able to bring a Championship to the great fans of Chicago in 2008!

I must also thank the owner of the Clovis Wheat Kings, Rick Cooper, for drafting me into the league. He saw something in me and took a chance. I played in a lot of places, for a lot of managers and owners, and with a lot of great players. I tried to be a good teammate, produce for my team, keep everyone loose and having fun, and help create a winning attitude. I had a lot of fun along the way, and I hope when you watched, you did too! Oh, and one more thing: I love it when you call me “Big Papi!”

Once again, thank you.

David Ortiz

HALL OF FAME
CANDIDATES
ANNOUNCED
MONDAY
12/02/2024

AT 10:00 AM - ET!

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