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Immortal David Ortiz: Inducted into the Hall of Fame
46-year-old former Major League Baseball player David Ortiz has finally shot to fame. Earlier in the week, he was chosen for immortalization at the prestigious Copperstown Hall.
Ortiz shone throughout his career mainly at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, an entity to which he was absolutely faithful. His numbers and performances gave him what he needed to sneak in among the great legends of such a famous sport.
The Dominican was part of the new legion of former players eligible for the occasion. Being one of the favorites, he managed to hit against all odds in the decision made by members of the Baseball Writers Association of North America.
On his first try, the former player affectionately nicknamed Big Papi outclassed other great legends. Gathering 307 votes and a percentage of over 75%, he took first place over majesties like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
A choice that tastes bitter for both Bonds and Clemens, since they will no longer be options for a selection vote. For his part, Ortiz will be the fourth great baseball player who acted as a designated hitter and entered the glorious hall of Cooperstown.
To date, the baseball player's environment stresses that he continues to "process" everything that happened. After his exaltation to the highest honor in Major League Baseball (MLB), he appeared before the public.
"First, I thank God and all those who have accompanied me. It has been extraordinary. It is an achievement for an entire nation, because when something like this is won, we have to raise the flag high." — Emphasized a euphoric David Ortiz.
He will be the fourth Dominican to receive the distinction
The land of the Dominican Republic can proudly say that it will have a fourth representative in Cooperstown. The emblematic and charismatic baseball player, David Ortiz, will form a quartet with other prominent sports figures.
His name will be immortalized along with those of Vladimir Guerrero Sr., Juan Marichal and Pedro Martínez. In particular, it was the latter who accompanied Ortiz to the podium at the moment his promulgation for such an honor was announced.
At that time, he couldn't contain his emotion and quickly addressed the situation. An instant that, according to his own words, he only imagined as a child. But, with the necessary discipline and implicit perseverance, it could be achieved.
"It is the highest honor any professional baseball player can receive while alive. I thank, bless and honor my election to the Hall of Fame." — Ortiz sentenced.
The great feats during his career
David Ortiz was an iconic character in American professional baseball who marked an era. He left his mark on the sport thanks to his merits plus his incredible talent on the field.
In his 13 years representing the colors of the Boston Red Sox, he won the World Series Champion medal 3 times. In fact, in the final of the year 2013 he was chosen as the Most Valuable Player.
He participated in up to 10 consecutive editions of the famous All-Star Game and flooded his shelf with statuettes with 7 silver bats. Without a doubt, numbers that make a dream career shine.
As if that were not enough, he received other commemorative distinctions such as the retirement of number 34 from the Red Sox ranks. Thanks to his work in 13 seasons, he won the affection of both the fans and the team's management.
With Ortiz, there are now 18 Latinos immersed in the timeless waters of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. A journey that began with the tragic loss of Roberto Clemente in the 1970s and whose legacy has remained intact ever since.