January 22, 2003 Boston Red Sox sign free agent Released Minnesota Twins At the time, the deal didn’t seem like a game-changer last December, with then-general manager Theo Epstein pointing out that injuries meant the new signing wasn’t on the threshold to become a regular.
That’s what Epstein hoped he would do in Boston: “We’re looking for a guy who can make an impact in the middle of the lineup, who can play every day.” Epstein said at the time:“That’s his limit and we hope he gets there with us.”
The player in question is David Ortiz. Red Soxbecoming the heart of a franchise that would win three World Series championships during his tenure. Among the many honors he has won over the years is a visit to Cooperstown as a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame, earning induction in 2022 on his first try.
More than 21 years later, the Red Sox are adding another Ortiz to their roster: Ortiz’s son, DeAngelo Ortiz. Boston selected Ortiz’s son, who recently played at Miami Dade College, in the 19th round of Tuesday’s MLB draft. Ortiz played more than 48 games for the team. Sliced to pieces He batted .328/.431/.374 with one home run and 38 RBIs. He also played two seasons with the Brockton Rocks of the Future College Baseball League.
While his father was best known for his work as a designated hitter, his younger brother Ortiz is a versatile player who also plays third base and outfield.
