Regional Sports

The Legend of Señor Octubre: One Last Time (Hopefully)

Many baseball fans know that Reggie Jackson, a former Yankee and HOF outfielder, is referred to as “Mr. October.” Jackson was clutch in the playoffs, which is why he was given the nickname. In recent years, baseball fans have been able to watch David Ortiz be clutch, just like Jackson was in the 1970’s. Ortiz’s success in the postseason has earned him the nickname “Señor Octubre.”

David Ortiz has been incredibly clutch in the postseason. His postseason heroics helped to etch his name into the memories of Sox and baseball fans. Last year, Ortiz wasn’t given the opportunity to showcase his talents in October, however, this year could be different. The Boston Red Sox are currently in command of the AL East, and their magic number to clinch was 11 going into Sunday. After sweeping their bitter rivals, the New York Yankees, the Sox are looking good and heating up at the right time. They want to win, not just for their fans, but also for their beloved designated hitter.

At the beginning of the season, David Ortiz announced that the 2016 season would be his last. After Ortiz turned 40 last November, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that Ortiz would put up the numbers that he has so far this year. Ortiz is tearing it up on his farewell tour. He’s hitting .317 and has hit 34 home runs. He has 155 hits, 116 runs batted in, and to top it all off, the big guy has two stolen bases.

Ortiz has been lethal in the postseason. Over the course of his career, Ortiz is a .295 hitter with 17 home runs. He has racked up 87 hits and 60 runs batted in. Many of Ortiz’s best moments have come in the postseason. He has been incredibly clutch and plays with passion. Throughout his time playing for the Red Sox, he has put the city of Boston on his back in order to add to “Title Town’s” jewelry collection.

One example that comes to mind when thinking of Ortiz’s postseason heroics is Boston’s 2013 championship run.

In 2013, the Boston Marathon was bombed. Many runners, and Bostonians, were injured and killed. David Ortiz and the Red Sox helped the city of Boston bounce back, stronger than ever.

In the 2013 ALCS, the Red Sox would have to defeat the very talented Detroit Tigers to advance. The Sox found themselves down 5-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning of game two. With two outs and the bases loaded, David Ortiz stepped into the box. It only took one pitch for Ortiz to show why he is feared by opposing pitchers, especially during the postseason.

Boston would go on to win the game, series, and then the series after that, the 2013 World Series. The Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals to win the 2013 World Series, and Ortiz was named 2013 World Series MVP. Shocker, right?

Hopefully, baseball fans will be able to see “Señor Octubre” one more time. At the moment, it looks like we will, but anything is possible. Hopefully the Sox keep winning and Ortiz is given one more chance to shine in the postseason. But, if some bizarre twist of fate eliminates the Sox and we have seen the last of Ortiz’s heroics, let’s take a look back at some of Ortiz’s best moments.

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