Papi's place in Boston sports history

[Boris Badenov]

As someone who grew up in the 1980s as a Boston fan, I never thought another player would match Larry Bird's greatness.

Bottom line though, Papi is right there.

In terms of coming up big when it matters, I can't think of another Boston player who has been better, in any sport, ever.

Congrats to the big guy. It's been a great run.

[Snakehead]

I think the Bird comparison is a little far, not to take anything away from him, I think he's outstanding.  One of the most clutch Boston athletes ever, and most clutch hitters ever, no question I think.

I don't think you'd rank Ortiz as high in his own sport overall.  However if you are going into the playoffs there's few players you'd choose over him with how he has played.

A Red Sox legend for sure and a great story how he came out of nowhere.

I was at Fenway after the bombing and hearing him say "This is our F'n city" was appropriately crass and awesome.  Great dude.

[Snakehead]

Also, ESPN Stats put this out for this series:

David Ortiz: .688 BA, .760 OBP in World Series, both 2nd best ever in a World Series (Billy Hatcher, .750/.800 in 1990)

Hatcher only had to play 4 games.

[lightspeed5]

build him a statue

[Redz]

He's pretty awesome!

[bballdog384]

You could make a case that he's the most loved player in Boston sports history.

Right after Scal of course.

[ManUp]

A Living Legend.

[JSD]

As someone who grew up in the 1980s as a Boston fan, I never thought another player would match Larry Bird's greatness.

Bottom line though, Papi is right there.

In terms of coming up big when it matters, I can't think of another Boston player who has been better, in any sport, ever.

Congrats to the big guy. It's been a great run.

I agree. He is right there with Larry Bird, Tom Brady and Bobby Orr.

[BballTim]

Also, ESPN Stats put this out for this series:

David Ortiz: .688 BA, .760 OBP in World Series, both 2nd best ever in a World Series (Billy Hatcher, .750/.800 in 1990)

Hatcher only had to play 4 games.

  I think Hatcher set the record for most consecutive hits to start out a world series that year.

[mobilija]

I don't recall Bird, Brady, or Orr being on a list of suspected PED users.

He ranks right up there with Ray Lewis, as spent, once great players that suddenly became dominant again just in time for the postseason and a championship run.

Color me skeptical.

[slamtheking]

I could see the Sox retiring his number after being here for 3 WS championships but he's not on the same level as Bird, Orr or Brady.  Each of those guys were more complete players in their games than Papi. 

If Papi were playing the field (and not being a fielding liability), the argument of him being a great 'player' would have some weight.  He's just a great hitter (since his release from Minnesota) who's a beloved character in Boston.  nothing wrong with that.

[JSD]

I could see the Sox retiring his number after being here for 3 WS championships but he's not on the same level as Bird, Orr or Brady.  Each of those guys were more complete players in their games than Papi. 

If Papi were playing the field (and not being a fielding liability), the argument of him being a great 'player' would have some weight.  He's just a great hitter (since his release from Minnesota) who's a beloved character in Boston.  nothing wrong with that.

You're dismissing the "Clutch" or "When it matters" successes a little too casually for me.

The man is a legend because of what he has done in the biggest of big moments.

[kozlodoev]

Papi's career path is more reminiscent of that of Pierce rather than Bird. I'll still take it.

[slamtheking]

I could see the Sox retiring his number after being here for 3 WS championships but he's not on the same level as Bird, Orr or Brady.  Each of those guys were more complete players in their games than Papi. 

If Papi were playing the field (and not being a fielding liability), the argument of him being a great 'player' would have some weight.  He's just a great hitter (since his release from Minnesota) who's a beloved character in Boston.  nothing wrong with that.

You're dismissing the "Clutch" or "When it matters" successes a little too casually for me.

The man is a legend because of what he has done in the biggest of big moments.

pardon me if I see Bird, Orr and Brady as being more 'clutch' than Papi. 
There's nothing wrong with what he's done and he's not undeserving of the adulation he receives but I don't see him on that same level as those other 3 local 'heroes'.

[Fafnir]

Papi's career path is more reminiscent of that of Pierce rather than Bird. I'll still take it.

Yeah, great post season success while being a solid all-star level guy rather than a dominate MVP caliber player in the league.