Boston Red Sox Designated Hitter David Ortiz made history Wednesday night, becoming the all-time leader in hits by a DH, according to ESPNBoston.com.
Ortiz’s record-setting hit came in the second inning of the Red Sox’s game against the Seattle Mariners. “Big Papi” took a 3-1 pitch from starter Aaron Harang and lined it into the gap in left-center field for a double. Fans from both teams stood and applauded the feat.
For Ortiz it was hit number 1,689, one more than the previous record holder Harold Baines. The designated hitter position was first instituted in 1973.
Ortiz would get hit number 1,690 when he hit a two-run shot in the third inning.
Other stat categories in which Ortiz leads all time among designated hitters include doubles, runs scored, RBIs, homeruns and extra-base hits.
Ortiz has been the most prolific designated hitter in the last decade. He reignited the importance of the position during the Red Sox’s championship runs in 2004 and 2007. In 2004 he was the MVP in the American League Champion Series.
For his career Ortiz has a .287 BA, 419 HR, 1,388 RBIs and a .381 on-base percentage.
He’s having another great season in 2013—with a .331 BA, 19 HR, 65 RBI, .412 on-base percentage—and has been a huge part of the Red Sox successful season.
The Sox are first place in the American League East with a record of 55-37. They are three games up on the Tampa Bay Rays who are 52-40 and five games up on the Baltimore Orioles who are at 50-42.
Ortiz will be a part of the AL All Star team this season on July 16.
*Stats according to ESPN.com.
