David Ortiz was named the 2016 recipient of theĀ Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award today. It’s Papi’s eighth such award, the most in major league history. Ortiz joinsĀ Orlando Cepeda (1973), Jim Rice (1977), and Don Baylor (1986) as Red Sox who have been so honored.The Martinez award is voted on by club beat writers, broadcasters, and public relations departments. All players with at least 100 at-bats as a designated hitter are eligible for consideration.
Throughout 2016, Ortiz toppled one record after another. HisĀ 168-for-527 (.319) record over 140 games as Sox DH earned him his seventh Louisville Silver Slugger Award, the most for a DH in major league history.
Overall, Big PapiĀ led MLB in 2016 with the most extra-base hits (87), most doubles (48), and the best OPS (1.021). Ortiz was also tied for first place inĀ theĀ American League for RBI (127) and intentional walks (15).
David Ortiz
flickr photo shared by Keith Allison under a Creative Commons ( BY-SA ) license
Besides Ortiz, three otherĀ Red Sox designated hitters have had 800+ at-bats in club history: Reggie Jefferson, Mike Easler, and Don Baylor. Measured by on-base and slugging percentages, Papi has easily been the most productiveĀ Ā at .386 and .570, respectively, for a .956 OPS.
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