David Ortiz had the best final season of any hitter in MLB history, and his final APBA card reflects it. Ortiz’s 2016 season for hitters is what Sandy Koufax’s 1966 season is to pitchers. His 38 home runs were the most for any player in their final season. While hitting .315, he led the American League in RBI (127), doubles (48), and slugging percentage. As a designated hitter, he produced an impressive 5.1 WAR. Remember, defensive value is part of WAR, either as a comparison against average players or as a bump for playing a tougher defensive position. A full-time DH, like Ortiz, had his WAR adjusted -5.5, in comparison to an average first baseman.
For those unfamiliar with WAR, here’s a quick guide: 8+ MVP, 5+ All-Star, 2+ Starter, 0-2 Substitute, < 0 Replacement.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | TB | GDP | SF | IBB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Totals | 151 | 140 | 626 | 537 | 79 | 169 | 48 | 1 | 38 | 127 | 2 | 80 | 86 | .315 | .401 | .620 | 1.021 | 333 | 22 | 7 | 15 |
Big Papi retired from the Boston Red Sox as one of the most beloved players in franchise history. Though “clutchness” is a hard thing to quantify, Ortiz had it in leading the Red Sox to three World Series titles. There were times, particularly down the stretch in pennant races or in the postseason, when he seemed like a video game hitter who couldn’t be stopped. Whenever I think of Ortiz, I recall the gut punch grand slam he hit against my Tigers in game two of the 2014 ALCS in which Torii Hunter fell over the wall into the bullpen. Yet, most people remember Ortiz’s passionate speech after the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. His rhetoric in that moment will forever make him a folk figure in New England.
Most players would love to have David Ortiz’s final APBA card as their best season. This card should reflect accurate statistics. I project it to produce a .306 average. With three 6s, it should hit a lot of double…plus, it’s pretty awesome with a runner on third base only. It might be overlooked, but I’m also impressed this card only has four 13s. Current star player APBA cards routinely have 7+ 13s. It’s refreshing to see a card with a traditional number of 13s.
It seems David Ortiz will eventually be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame sometime after he’s eligible in 2021. However, he has two strikes against him. First, he was tied to the 2003 PEDs survey test. Second, he spent a vast majority of his career as a designated hitter, taking 88% of his plate appearances as a DH. With the election of Frank Thomas in 2014 and the probable election of Edgar Martinez, the DH issue may become a moot point. As for his ties to PEDs, he may be helped by the recent elections of Ivan Rodriguez and Mike Piazza. Plus, it would be beneficial to Big Papi if Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds were to make it to Cooperstown. Time will tell.
In many ways, David Ortiz is this generation’s Willie Stargell. Like Stargell, Ortiz was a gregarious leader who had a knack for coming up with clutch hits in dramatic moments. Both were poor fielding sluggers who were respected by their peers and their teammates. Interestingly, their career WAR numbers are staggeringly similar. In 22 seasons, Stargell had a 57.5 WAR. In 20 seasons, Ortiz had a career WAR of 55.3. Stargell’s road to Cooperstown was paved by his memorable 1979 World Series performance. Likewise, David Ortiz will one day ride his postseason dominance into the Hall of Fame.
Great comparison with Stargell.