For as long as I have known what baseball is, David Ortiz has been on the field season after season having a great time. He has become a part of Boston. With his final season winding down I wanted to remind all of us of his contribution to the sport and the impact he has had on me, and hopefully many others.

1. The 2004 American League Championship

No matter what team you root for, the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is probably the greatest in all of sports. In 2004 when the Red Sox broke "The Curse of the Bambino" and won the World Series we had Big Papi to thank. The Sox were down 3-0 to the Yanks in the series, and in an epic 12 inning game Ortiz hit a walk off home run to keep the series alive. This earned him the nickname of "Mr. Clutch". That is what every 10 year old dreams off, and David Ortiz turned it into a reality.

2. Ortiz Sends Tori Hunter Into the Bullpen

It quickly turned into one of the most iconic shots in baseball when outfielder Tori Hunter tumbled over the right field wall chasing a Big Papi grand slam in games 2 of the 2013 ALCS. This home run turned the tide of the game and eventually led to a Red Sox World Series ring.

3. This is our F***ing city

The Boston Marathon bombings are perhaps the biggest tragedy to ever happen to the city of Boston. Five days after the bombings, and two days after a shelter in place order was put in place over the Boston area, Big Papi delivered a speech before the franchise first home game. According to Papi the speech was ad-libbed and not planned at all, he was, in his own words "telling the people what they needed to hear". I can't think of a better public figure to deliver the speech, and he was right, it was exactly what the people needed. I dare any of you to watch the video below and tell me you didn't get the chills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-YvMaXSk4s

Thank you, Mr.Ortiz.

David Ortiz has changed the face of sports in the Boston area. He has single handedly led the Boston Red Sox to three World Series championships, broke the club record for homers, and even received a percentage of votes for the goddamn mayor of the city. He is just a lovable guy, always smiling, and always there to help. When Hanley Ramirez dropped a ball in the outfield and was publicly ridiculed for it, Ortiz was the first one to step up and defend him. He has always been a crowd favorite, and a league favorite. No matter what team you cheer for, or even if you follow baseball, David Ortiz has made you smile. For that, I would like to personally thank you David Ortiz. Thank you for making baseball fun, happy, and intense, and you always be loved by the baseball community, thank you.