David Ortiz Memorabilia Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

David Ortiz is a two-time World Series Champion and a living legend throughout Major League Baseball. "Big Papi" joined the Boston Red Sox in 2003 after four inconsistent seasons with the Minnesota Twins. The change of scenery, along with teaming with future Hall of Fame slugger Manny Ramirez helped Papi turn his career around. In 2004, his first full season serving as Boston's designated hitter, Ortiz batted .301, hitting 41 home runs with 139 runs batted in. Ortiz was voted to his first All-Star Game and would finish fourth in the American League Most Valuable Player voting. His biggest accomplishments came after the regular season as Ortiz hit .400 in the playoffs, hitting five home runs and collecting 19 RBIs to help lead the Red Sox to their first World Series Championship in 86 years. Most notably, Ortiz was named the MVP of the 2003 American League Championship Series where he led the Boston Red Sox back from a 0-3 deficit to defeat the archrival New York Yankees 4-3 in seven games. In both Games 4 and 5, Ortiz had walk-off, game-winning hits. The next two seasons would see Big Papi set back-to-back marks of career highs in home runs with 47 in 2005 and 54 in 2006, the latter also setting the single-season record for home runs in Red Sox history. In 2007 David Ortiz further polished his sparkling reputation in Boston baseball history, leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series Championship and second in four years. Ortiz was again huge when it counted the most as he hit .370 with three home runs and 10 runs batted in the playoffs.

One of baseball's brightest superstars continues to flourish offensively for the reigning World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The team's biggest star has grown not only statistically but also in respect to popularity and notoriety, there may be no baseball player more recognizable than David Ortiz. That said, as Boston and Ortiz continue to have tremendous success, there may be no better time to invest in Papi's authentic memorabilia. David Ortiz is one of those players who will be remembered remember for both his bat as well as his personality. For his on-field successes, there's no better way to relive them over and over again than with these pieces of in-demand, highly valued authentic Ortiz memorabilia.

• David Ortiz Signed 2004 World Series Ball: In October 2004, the Boston Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series Championship in 86 years. No player was more instrumental in the 2004 campaign than designated hitter David Ortiz. Ortiz hit .400 in the  playoffs while belting five home runs and 19 runs batted in, leading the Sox to their historic, long-awaited first World Series since 1918. Own a piece of baseball history with this 2004 World Series baseball hand-signed by David Ortiz.

• David Ortiz Autographed Batting Helmet: Since arriving in Boston in 2003, designated hitter and postseason hero David Ortiz has left his mark on every season. One of his greatest accomplishments came in 2006 when Ortiz set the Red Sox single-season home run record. He hit 54 homers to better Jimmie Foxx's 50 home-run campaign of 1938. This Boston Red Sox batting helmet was signed by David Ortiz using a silver Sharpie marker. Along with his signature, Ortiz inscribed his number “34.” This is a great collectible for any baseball fan and a must-have for Red Sox fans.

• David Ortiz Signed Photograph: In the history of Major League Baseball, no team had ever come back from a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series. That all changed in 2004 with this swing of the bat from David Ortiz. The 2004 American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player belted this game-winning walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game Four against the New York Yankees. You can own this high-quality 8x10" shot hand-signed by David Ortiz and always remember the most historic comeback in sports history.

• David Ortiz Autographed Bat: This authentic Louisville Slugger is hand-signed by two-time World Series Champion and 4-time All-Star David Ortiz. Ortiz is one of the game's best hitters and statistically the best hitter in baseball under pressure situations. From 2004 through 2006, Ortiz became the first player in Red Sox history to hit 40 home runs or more in three consecutive seasons. This David Ortiz-edition Louisville Slugger signed by Ortiz makes a perfect centerpiece for any baseball collection.

• Autographed David Ortiz Jersey: This Boston Red Sox home jersey was hand-signed by postseason hero and American sports icon David Ortiz. Ortiz is best known for leading the Red Sox to two World Series Championships as well as owning the Red Sox single-season record for home runs with 54. This autographed jersey makes a great addition to any collection, especially given Ortiz's knack for delivering big hits under pressure, delivering three walk-off hits in the 2004 postseason that ended with Boston winning their first World Series in 86 years. Big Papi was named MVP of the '04 American League Championship Series.

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