The Unlikely Journey of D’Angelo Ortiz: Carving His Own Path in Baseball
A Humble Beginning in the Shadow of a Legend
D’Angelo Ortiz, the son of Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, is just another face in the crowd of minor league baseball. Wearing the number 44 for the Red Sox, he is far from a household name. A late-round draft pick with no ranking among prospects, D’Angelo is proving that hard work and determination can carve a path independent of his father’s legacy. Despite the absence of a star-studded introduction to professional baseball, D’Angelo’s journey is one of grit and resilience. His name, Ortiz, opens doors, but it’s his effort that keeps them open.
D’Angelo’s early days in baseball were marked by the influence of his father, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest hitters in Red Sox history. However, he quickly learned that his father’s fame wouldn’t carry him far. Instead, he embraced the lessons he learned from David: that every day is an opportunity to prove oneself. D’Angelo’s journey began in earnest when the Red Sox drafted him in the 19th round of the 2022 MLB draft, a modest start for a young player with a famous last name.
Earning Respect Through Hard Work and Humility
Despite the weight of his family name, D’Angelo is building a reputation as a “baseball rat,” a player who is always ready to work. He arrives early, stays late, and soaks up every piece of advice or training available. His eagerness to learn and adapt has earned him the respect of Red Sox coaches and executives. Farm director Brian Abraham notes that D’Angelo is a player who understands the long road ahead but is determined to maximize his potential through sheer effort.
D’Angelo’s humility and work ethic have set him apart. He is not expecting special treatment or handouts because of who his father is. Instead, he’s focused on the grind, whether it’s taking extra swings in the batting cage or fielding ground balls on the back fields. He knows that success in baseball isn’t handed to anyone, not even the son of a legend. “The least that I could do is show how serious I take this,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to earning his place in the game.
Forging His Own Identity and Legacy
D’Angelo is determined to create his own path in baseball, separate from his father’s. While David Ortiz was a dominant left-handed hitter and designated hitter, D’Angelo bats and throws right-handed and plays third base, a position his father never mastered. This distinction is not just physical but also symbolic; D’Angelo is charting a course that is uniquely his own.
Growing up around the Red Sox, D’Angelo absorbed the lessons of his father’s career but also learned from other players. He admired not just the stars but the utility players who worked hard every day to stay in the majors. Players like Brock Holt and Deven Marrero taught him the importance of work ethic and humility. Now, as he navigates the minors, D’Angelo is slowly building his own identity as a player and a person. He is confident but grounded, aware that the big leagues are still a distant goal.
The Challenge of a Famous Name and the Burden of Expectations
Carrying the Ortiz name in the Red Sox organization comes with both opportunities and challenges. D’Angelo has grown up around the team, with many current executives and coaches having known him since he was a child. While this familiarity has given him access to mentorship and resources, it also means he has to work harder to prove himself as more than just “David’s son.”
D’Angelo’s interactions with Red Sox figures like farm director Brian Abraham, who once protected him from batting practice line drives, and media relations director Abby Murphy, who used to babysit him, highlight the unique dynamic he navigates. He is reintroducing himself to the organization as a player, not just a kid who used to run around the clubhouse. “Part of that,” he said, “is showing I’m not just a kid anymore who wants to run around and kind of be in the shadow.”
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Despite the pressures of his name, D’Angelo is turning these challenges into opportunities. His fluency in both Spanish and English has made him a unifier in the clubhouse, someone other players gravitate toward. He has already emerged as a leader, earning the respect of teammates like top prospect Marcelo Mayer, who praised his humility and passion for the game.
D’Angelo’s mindset is focused on the future, not the past. He appreciates the legacy of his father but is determined to carve out his own success. When asked about comparisons to his father’s rise from obscurity, D’Angelo politely deflects, insisting that the only thing that matters is how he performs on the field. He knows that his journey will be different from his father’s, but he is ready to put in the work to make it his own.
The Future of D’Angelo Ortiz: A Player Forging His Own Path
As D’Angelo continues his journey through the minors, he carries the lessons of his childhood with him. He is driven by a passion for baseball and a determination to maximize his potential. While his father’s legacy is a source of pride, it is not a burden he carries lightly. Instead, it fuels his desire to succeed on his own terms.
For now, the spotlight remains on the work. D’Angelo is focused on developing his skills, whether it’s at third base, in the outfield, or wherever the Red Sox see him fitting in the future. He knows that the road ahead is long, but he is ready to put in the effort required to reach his goals. As he said, “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.”
D’Angelo Ortiz’s story is just beginning, and while his name may open doors, it’s his hard work, humility, and determination that will ultimately define his career.
