Does David Ortiz belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame?
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First off, let's take the issues of steroids off the table. Ortiz has been rumored to have used performance enhancing drugs during his career. However no proof, evidence or admission of guilt has come out. Until such time, I would put Ortiz into the same steroid rumor category as former Mets' catcher Mike Piazza. We cannot put fault on someone when there is no proof of committing fault. Based on statistics and lack of proof, I would vote Piazza (at this moment) into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
But what about Ortiz? Should he be considered to become a member of baseball's most prestigious clubhouse?
Ortiz, 38, is entering his 18th Major League season in 2014. The nine-time All-Star has put up great lifetime numbers, batting .287 with 431 home runs and 1,429 RBI in 1,969 games. He's eclipsed the 2,000-hit plateau (2,023 hits) has a lifetime .381 on base percentage and .547 slugging percentage. Of course, you can't forget to include Ortiz's postseason number. Ortiz is a career .295 hitter with 17 home runs in the playoffs. His World Series totals are even better. Ortiz is a career .455 hitter with 14 RBI in 14 World Series games. He was named the 2013 World Series MVP this past season for hitting an astronomical .688 in the Red Sox championship run vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.
But is it enough to make the Hall of Fame?
Yes, it is more than enough. If Ortiz were to retire right now, I would vote him in the Hall of Fame. He is the modern version of Mr. October; an athlete who is the human embodiment of clutch at the plate. His feats of playoff heroics will stand the test the time. Think about these moments; a walk-off home run in game four of the 2004 ALCS, winning the 2004 World Series with the Red Sox, hitting .714 in the 2007 ALDS vs. the Angels, winning the 2013 World Series MVP and much more. Those are the moments that separate the lack luster from the legends. Ortiz is the greatest designated hitter in Major League Baseball history.
And for those who believe the DH should not be honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame, please go to the bank and get a reality check. The DH has been a position since Ron Bloomberg became the first in Major League history on April 6th, 1973. I am an old-time baseball fan who loves watching National League Baseball. The strategy used is implacable to baseball and should always be a part of the game. That doesn't change the fact though that the DH is a position. The DH is “the closer” of batters. They don't play as often as fielders, but are in no way less valuable. If Ortiz wasn't the Red Sox DH, the Red Sox do not win any of their last three World Series titles. Who cares if he plays DH? His impact to the game has far surpassed many before him.
Here's an idea. Since defense is honored by the Gold Glove, shouldn't DH's be honored with their own award? You could call it the David Ortiz award, though I would be more in favor of calling it the Edgar Martinez award. Martinez, who hit .312 in 18 Major League seasons, solidified the DH as a legitimate role during the 1990's. I wouldn't be opposed to it being called either. Either way though the DH is here to stay. Ortiz is the best designated hitter in Major League history.
So, if we take steroids out of the equation, is David Ortiz a Hall of Famer?
Do the Red Sox hate the Yankees? Then there's your answer!
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