David Ortiz Passes Mickey Mantle For 17th On All-Time Home Runs List [VIDEO]
BOSTON (CBS) -- Thursday night at Fenway Park belonged to Hanley Ramirez, but the Red Sox' late-game rally to beat the Yankees 7-5 would not have been possible without some help from David Ortiz, who made more history in his second-to-last at-bat.
In the eighth inning with the Red Sox down 5-1, Ortiz launched a home run to center field for his 34th of the season. Ortiz's homer was the 537th of his career, moving him past Yankees legend Mickey Mantle for 17th on the all-time list. The blast had an estimated exit velocity of about 109 mph and projected distance of 442 feet, according to StatCast.
Watch the home run in the video below:
Ortiz will likely finish the season, and his career, at 17th on the all-time list, as he still sits 11 home runs behind Mike Schmidt for the 16th spot. But of course, Ortiz is aiming higher than personal stats - he wants to go out on top with another World Series title.
"Why not?" Ortiz told reporters after the game. "Of course, it would be great. It's what we call, happy ending."
On the season, Ortiz is slashing .317/.402/.629 with 34 home runs and 114 RBIs. Even if the season ended today, it would be one of the best seasons of Papi's career, an incredible accomplishment for the 40-year-old.
