David Ortiz Hits His 500th Career Home Run

In Saturday’s game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, David Ortiz hit both his 499th and 500th home runs. Ortiz is the 27th MLB player to achieve this feat.

David Ortiz’s first home run of the day came in the first inning, when there was one out and two players on base. The count was one-two.

The second home run of the game for David Ortiz came in the fifth inning on a two-two pitch when there was no one on base and none out. This was David Ortiz’s 34th home run of this season, showing he is still one of the best power hitters in all of baseball. The four RBI for Ortiz gave him 95 total on the season.

This game marks the 50th time that Ortiz has hit multiple home runs in one game, according to WCVB.

This home run milestone adds to David Ortiz’s extensive résumé, which includes three World Series titles. In fact, David Ortiz is one of four players in baseball history with at least 500 home runs and a minimum of three World Series titles. The other three to achieve this feat were Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Reggie Jackson. Exclusive company.

Also, Ortiz has hit 443 home runs as a designated hitter, a record for that position.

Ortiz has been one of the constants on a team that has been filled with upheaval throughout the season, with the loss of general manager Ben Cherington and John Farrell stepping away from the team after being diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma. David Ortiz’s power hitting has helped the last-place team make a surge here late in the season.

Ortiz will likely finish his career among the top 25 players in home runs, RBI, extra-base hits, and doubles, depending on how long he continues playing.

“I want to play as long as I can produce,” Ortiz said earlier this season. “As long as I can help the team and be myself at the plate, I want to play. I’ll be the first one who knows when my time is up, but I’m not there yet.”

David Ortiz may be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame after this epic milestone — even as a career designated hitter.

Do you think David Ortiz will be elected into the Hall of Fame? How many home runs do you think Ortiz will hit in his career? Finally, how long do you think David Ortiz will continue to play in the major leagues.

[Image Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images]