Big Papi David Ortiz Was Elected to Hall of Fame On the First Ballot

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, also known as Big Papi, was welcomed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. Ortiz was the only player elected to join the Hall of Fame and was voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. He will soon be joined by the six selections given to the Early Baseball Era and Golden Days committees. These names include Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, Bud Fowler, Minnie Miñoso, Gil Hodges, and Buck O’Neil. They will be inducted into the Hall this July.

David Ortiz Shared Some Details About His History In the Game

According to David Ortiz, he was of the type of players who knew they had talent, but all he was looking for was the opportunity to be an everyday player. After that happened for him at some point, when he got to the Red Sox. He added that he felt thankful and grateful for being able to accomplish what he was able to accomplish and thanked God for his career.

David Ortiz Was Selected for the Hall of Fame With 77.9% Approval

The selection of the 46-year-old David Ortiz prevented the BBWAA from going consecutive years without picking a Hall entrant. Ortiz was also the first solo selection from the BBWAA ballot since they picked Barry Larkin in 2012. Ortiz had his name checked on 77.9 percent of the ballots, going over the 75% threshold to entry. He received 307 votes, which is more than the 296 he needed. Controversial candidates who did not make the cut in their final year of eligibility were Barry Bonds, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens, and Sammy Sosa. Meanwhile, Scott Rolen, Todd Helton, and Billy Wagner continued to make important gains above the 50% mark.

David Ortiz is the 58th first-ballot Hall of Famer and the 14th just since 2014. Ortiz is a native of the Dominican Republic and stands alone as the only true designated hitter admitted to the Hall of Fame on his first try. Frank Thomas was also elected on his first ballot in 2014 and Edgar Martinez was elected in his 10th year. Ortiz topped them all because he held the bat-only role in 84.2% of his 2,408 games played.