Ortiz sets record for most HRs in a final season
David Ortiz continues to make his final major-league season one of the most impressive in history.
The Boston Red Sox designated hitter belted a record-setting, three-run home run off Baltimore Orioles starter Kevin Gausman in the seventh inning on Tuesday, giving him 36 on the year.
With the blast, Ortiz set the major-league record for most home runs by a player in their final season, passing Dave Kingman's mark of 35 set in 1986.
"I'll have to hit a couple of more so nobody can reach me," Ortiz told reporters following the 5-2 win. "It's just a number, man. I'm just trying to help this ballclub. I don't really care about personal numbers. I care about winning."
| Player | Team | HR | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Ortiz | Red Sox | 36 | 2016 |
| Dave Kingman | Athletics | 35 | 1986 |
| Mark McGwire | Cardinals | 29 | 2001 |
| Ted Williams | Red Sox | 29 | 1960 |
| Barry Bonds | Giants | 28 | 2007 |
Ortiz also collected his 121st RBI, moving into a tie with Shoeless Joe Jackson for the most by a player in their final season.
The 40-year-old Ortiz entered Tuesday's game hitting .317/.403/.630 in 139 games.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)