Baseball loyalty can be a fickle thing—even within a Hall of Famer’s own family. While David Ortiz built a legacy in Boston, it seems his household has a new Boston Red Sox favorite. And no, it’s not Big Papi. In a moment that was equal parts touching and slightly ego-crushing, D’Angelo Ortiz found himself at the center of his mother’s baseball affections.

D’Angelo Ortiz, son of the great Ortiz, has just stepped into the major leagues and is already turning heads. After being selected by the Red Sox in the 2024 draft, he might not be a top prospect or catching the eye of the world, but he’s certainly caught his mother’s eye.

Tiffany Ortiz has declared her favorite Red Sox player, and it is not her husband. In her recent Instagram story, she posted a picture of her son with the caption: “Old stomping grounds @twins complex with new favorite @redsox player @dangeloortiz34.” To this, D’Angelo replied, writing “Mumz.”

He is his mom’s favorite player—not just because he is her son, but also because of his remarkable discipline and work ethic. Signing a $150,000 deal with the Red Sox and being the son of a Red Sox legend might tempt some to take things for granted, but D’Angelo proved he’s more than just following in his father’s footsteps. Within the team, he’s known as a “baseball rat”, always present at workout sessions and eager to learn.

D’Angelo has been a part of the Red Sox clubhouse since before he even knew how to catch a baseball. For instance, Red Sox media relations director Abby Murphy used to babysit him during games. Despite these connections and relationships, he understands that success won’t be handed to him. He knows that reaching the level of his father and idols will require hard work and dedication.

In an interview, he shared, “My passion so happens to be baseball. But if I grew up wanting to be a doctor, I’m sure I would try everything in my power to be the best doctor I could be.” This mindset of “giving 100% in your work” reflects the value instilled by his parents. It’s clear that D’Angelo is forgoing his own path and is stepping out of his father’s shadow.

If there’s one thing D’Angelo refuses to inherit, it’s complacency. His last name might open doors, but it’s his work ethic that’s keeping them open. While the world watches to see if he can carve out his own legacy, one thing is already certain—at least in the Ortiz household, Big Papi has officially been benched as the fan favorite.

D’Angelo Ortiz has already started to carve his own path to the Red Sox team

Baseball isn’t in the business of handing out free passes—no matter what name is on the back of your jersey. But D’Angelo isn’t asking for one. While some might assume his path was paved in Red Sox gold, he’s been too busy grinding to notice. With each swing and play, he’s proving that talent—not legacy—writes the real story.

Although he has not been considered for the major leagues right now, D’Angelo has gained significant attention during spring training. His recent appearance at Dodd Stadium in Norwich showed great promise. He was able to navigate the pitches and displayed impressive composure at the plate. His approach impressed many people as it showed his understanding he had of baseball fundamentals.

Ortiz has shown that he can cause damage with the bat in the 2024 season for the Brockton Rox. In the 11 games he has played, he has a batting average of .311 with 14 hits and 7 RBIs. While he may not have any home runs, his OBP of .396 has impressed many observers.

That OBP isn’t just a number—it’s a statement. The young Ortiz isn’t here to ride coattails or cash in on a famous last name. He’s grinding, learning, and making every at-bat count. If this is just the start, baseball might want to brace itself. Because while his father was Big Papi, D’Angelo is writing his own legacy—one disciplined swing at a time.