Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY Most Valuable Papi David Ortiz greets young Red Sox fans during the team's batting practice at Fenway Park. I n Boston, Bill Belichick is profoundly respected, Tom Brady deeply envied, Rajon Rondo and Patrice Bergeron widely admired. But David Ortiz is loved. Of course, there was his dazzling MVP-winning performance at the 2013 World Series. But even his missteps—and there have been a few—beg forgiveness. And not just by the fans. Everyone, from Tito Francona to John Farrell to the federal government, gives Big Papi a pass. Earlier this year, just five days after the Marathon bombings, Ortiz presided over an emotional crowd at Fenway Park with a heartfelt, "Don't mess with our [expletive] city!" The Federal Communications Commission would ordinarily have slapped a hefty fine on someone dropping the F-bomb on national television. But Big Papi? "David Ortiz spoke from the heart at 68 today's Red Sox game," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said. "I stand with Big Papi and the people of Boston." So why is Big Papi our big crush? For one thing, he's a helluva ballplayer. Ortiz is the best clutch hitter in Red Sox history—maybe in history, period. Over 17 years, Ortiz's batting average hovers around .287; he is a nine-time All-Star, who, per the standard 162-game season, averages 35 home runs and 118 RBIs. Legions of Sox fans are eternally grateful to Ortiz for his heroics in the 2004, 2007, and 2013 World Series. (Ortiz continues to enjoy the highest batting average in World Series history, .465, and today he is the only remaining member of the Red Sox who was on all of those winning teams.) Beyond his superior slugger stats, though, Ortiz is known for somecontinued on page 70 PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL IVINS/BOSTON RED SOX/GETTY IMAGES BOSTON'S THREE-TIME WORLD SERIES CHAMP SCORES OFF THE FIELD WITH THE DAVID ORTIZ CHILDREN'S FUND, WHICH HOSTS ITS ANNUAL CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC IN DECEMBER. BY REBECCA M. KNIGHT BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 068-072_BC_SP_SofG_Holiday_13.indd 68 11/1/13 5:30 PM