As a baseball player, David Ortiz smashed some colossal home runs out of the ballpark. And post-retirement, he caught balls at the bleachers. It was the home run derby event prior to the 2021 MLB All-Star game, and Ortiz put on the catching glove. To make the proceedings more special, he had an NFL legend by his side.
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Ortiz himself spent a major part of his life playing as a designated hitter. Which meant that he spent only a handful portion of his MLB career taking catches on the field. So it was almost as if the event gave him an opportunity to make up for the missed chances. Giving him valuable company was none other than Peyton Manning, an iconic legend of the NFL yards.?
David Ortiz and Peyton Manning’s catching practice in the bleachers?
David Ortiz and Peyton Manning were both highly entertaining personalities during their playing tenure. After having retired, they utilized their skills in broadcasting and presentation. Manning is the host of the football documentary series Peyton’s Places on the ESPN+ network, where Ortiz also made an appearance. Therefore, it was no wonder to see Ortiz and Manning hanging out and having some fun moments at the MLB event.
The 2021 MLB All-Star game was hosted at the Coors Field stadium in Colorado. New York Mets’ star slugger Pete Alonso became the home run derby winner that year. While the American League All-Stars team won the All-Stars game, extending their dominant run at the particular event.
"We're trying to catch a baseball here man!"@davidortiz and Peyton Manning are READY for the Derby 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/6pnMZVyoiu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2021
The MLB Network posted a video of Ortiz and Manning standing at the bleachers, where Ortiz said, “Trying to catch a baseball right here, man.”?
Reputed as a Home Run King, Ortiz was the American League Home Run Leader in 2006. Notably, Ortiz retired with a massive career total of 541 home runs to his credit. Interestingly, the Red Sox legend also once won a home run derby against the legendary duo of Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. However, Ortiz was only a minor league player back at that time.
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The playing legacies of the two iconic legends?
Ortiz made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1997. Though he gained stardom only after joining the Boston Red Sox, where he enjoyed phenomenal success. He became a 10-time All-Star player and won three World Series championships with the Red Sox. Additionally, a seven-time silver slugger, Ortiz received a Hall Of Fame induction earlier this year.
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Whereas, Manning made his NFL debut with the Indianapolis Colts and also played for the Denver Broncos. Amassing a long list of accolades, he became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Manning also led his team to two Super Bowl victories.?
How many catches do you think David Ortiz and Peyton Manning ended up taking??