Big Papi Back in the Fall Classic

Los Angeles – One of Major League Baseball’s best postseason hitters returns to the October stage this year, only this time he trades his lethal bat for a microphone.  David “Big Papi” Ortiz has been added to FOX Sports’ World Series pregame and postgame show roster for the first two games of the 2014 Fall Classic.  The announcement was made today by John Entz, Executive Vice President Production & Executive Producer, FOX Sports.  

Ortiz joins fellow major leaguer Nick Swisher, World Series Champion Gabe Kapler and Hall-of-Famer Frank Thomas as analysts live from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 PM ET on FOX.  Kevin Burkhardt anchors all of FOX Sports’ World Series pregame and postgame coverage.

“I want to thank FOX Sports for giving me this opportunity to be involved with the World Series and their broadcasts,” said Ortiz.  “There is nothing more special than playing in the World Series and if I can’t be in the batter’s box, this is the next best place in the ballpark.”

“It’s rare to find an analyst who combines tremendous postseason credentials with the ability to convey immeasurable passion for this great game,” Entz said.  “It is obvious we have found both in David, and we are thrilled to be able to give our show the added star-studded presence and experience he brings to the set.”

Ortiz is one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball history, particularly when the calendar flips to October.  During his three World Series appearances, Ortiz was nothing but clutch, posting an astounding .455 batting average in 14 games. The three-time World Champion and nine-time All-Star has hit 466 career home runs and is the all-time MLB leader for home runs (415), RBIs (1,343) and hits (1,890) by a designated hitter.

After spending the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Twins (1997-2002), Ortiz signed a free-agent contract with the Boston Red Sox in 2003 and was a driving force in helping the club secure three World Series Championships in the last 10 seasons.  In 2005, Red Sox ownership presented Ortiz with a plaque proclaiming him as “the greatest clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox.”