You only have to hear a couple of the baseball experts speak in the upcoming documentary Legend of the Fall to understand what David “Big Papi” Ortiz meant to the Boston Red Sox and to the MLB during his 20-year career.
Some of the phrases used to describe him in the trailer for the doc include “the best clutch hitter in playoff history,” “the greatest left-handed [designated hitter] that this game’s ever seen” and “the most important player in the history of the Red Sox.”
Filmed over six weeks, the documentary looks at Ortiz’s “postseason brilliance” that “burnished his image as a Boston icon and beloved baseball figure” in the United States and his home country of the Dominican Republic. The doc also chronicles Ortiz’s recent induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (NBHOF) as the lone selection for the Class of 2022.
During his two decades in the MLB – six years with the Minnesota Twins (1997-2002) and 14 years with the Red Sox (2003-2016) – Ortiz won three World Series (all with the Red Sox). Along with his championships, he ended his career with 2,472 hits, 541 homeruns, 10 all-star appearances, and a World Series MVP award. His No. 34 was retired by the Red Sox in 2017.
“This film sends the message to my fans that if you have faith and don’t quit, you can achieve your dreams,” Ortiz said in a statement. “I was very fortunate to achieve mine and I am humbled by my entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I am honored that Fox Sports, Check Point Productions and my very own Big Papi Productions captured my baseball career and special moments at the plate – giving me the gift of being able to relive these precious times in my life. I am equally proud of my accomplishments off the field and being able to share them with my family and community. I hope my fans will enjoy the film as much as I have.”
David Ortiz: Legend of the Fall premieres October 14, 2022, on FS1 following the National League Division Series doubleheader.
