David Ortiz's farewell tour gifts, ranked
David Ortiz's last go in the majors has been one to remember, as the 40-year-old slugger has put together one of the finest seasons of his illustrious 20-year career. With his farewell tour coming to an end, we look at some of the gifts he was presented with in his final season, ranked from best to worst.
1. Destroyed bullpen phone - Orioles
In what could be the most unique of all the gifts Papi received, Baltimore Orioles outfielder and good friend Adam Jones presented him with the bullpen phone he annihilated during a game in 2013, after he was tossed for arguing balls and strikes. He was also given $10,000 for a charity of his choice.
2. Leather book of personal notes from players - Yankees
As if their video tribute wasn't meaningful enough - with Ortiz calling it "very professional" - the New York Yankees gave him a leather-bound book with handwritten notes from current and former Yankees, which was presented to him by legendary closer Mariano Rivera.
3. Commemorative cable car bell - Giants
The San Francisco Giants dipped into their pockets for this one, spending more than $10,000 to present Papi with a bell from an authentic San Francisco cable car. Taking it a step further, he was given the gift from Giants legend Willie McCovey.
4. Charitable donations - multiple teams
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and manager Dave Roberts, two former teammates of Ortiz, presented Papi with $20,000 to his David Ortiz Children's Fund. The Cleveland Indians donated $10,000 to a recreational charity in Cleveland under Ortiz's name. Other teams, including the Blue Jays, Twins, and Orioles, gave him $10,000 to donate to any charity. Papi said that was the most meaningful gift he was given.
5. Custom 64 oz. jar of Skippy peanut butter - Twins
This may come as a surprise, but the gift stems from an infamous prank between Ortiz and former Twins teammate Corey Koskie, who spread the peanut butter in Ortiz's underwear. Papi spent his first six seasons in Minnesota before being released in 2002. The enormous custom-made jar of Skippy peanut butter is also a collectible, according to Kevin Bruneau, the president of Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers.
6. Custom-made Pablo Canela guitar - Tigers
The main gift from the Detroit Tigers included a picture from Ortiz's 2005 All-Star Game appearance at Comerica Park, but privately, Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera - two close friends of Ortiz - presented him with a Pablo Canela guitar, which costs anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000.
7. Customized golf cart - Red Sox
In his final home spring training game at Jet Blue Park, the Red Sox treated Ortiz to his own customized golf cart, complete with a Big Papi license plate. It also happened to be his most expensive present by far, as the golf cart cost up to $40,000. The Red Sox spring training facilities didn't stop there, giving Ortiz a seat from every single spring training stadium he called home over the years. They also renamed a street near Jet Blue Park "David Ortiz Way."
8. Framed original contract - Mariners
Originally signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1992, Papi played in their minor-league system until he was traded - yes, you read that right - to the Twins in 1996 for a player to be named later, making them the only team to ever trade the future Hall of Famer. The Mariners honored Papi with the first contract he ever signed out of the Dominican Republic, when he was known as David Arias, using his mother's maiden name.
9. Humidor with 50 Dominican cigars - White Sox
The thought is nice, honoring Papi's roots, but it goes without saying that Ortiz can get cigars from the Dominican Republic anytime he wants. While other teams decided to honor him with memorable gifts, the Chicago White Sox played it very safe.
10. Clubhouse chair from All-Star Game - Royals
The Royals presenting Ortiz with a chair from the 2012 All-Star Game, along with a variety of barbecue sauces, made for a less than memorable parting gift.
11. Large bottle of Cabernet - Athletics
The Oakland A's kept it classy with this gift, though it's also considered one of the least exciting of the bunch. A large bottle of Cabernet was presented to Ortiz at the Coliseum in Oakland. Just like the fine wine, the 40-year-old slugger has gotten better with age.
12. Custom surfboard - Padres
The most memorable part of the San Diego Padres' tribute was having former Red Sox broadcaster Don Orsillo - who called Papi's 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th, and 500th home run - lead his farewell ceremony at Petco Park. The gift itself was odd, as Papi was presented with a custom surf board, if he ever wants to hang ten as a retired baseball player.
13. Custom Stetson cowboy hat - Astros
Wanting Ortiz to fit in as a Texan is one thing, but the Houston Astros presenting him with a cowboy hat during his farewell tribute is by far the most Texas-like thing they could do. Giddy up, Papi.
14. Belt buckle and Cowboy boots - Rangers
When in Texas, act like the Texans do. Keeping with the Astros' thought process, the Rangers gave Ortiz a belt buckle and cowboy boots to complete the outfit. If he ever needs to attend a rodeo, at least he'll be prepared.
15. Custom painting - Angels
The Los Angeles Angels, much like other teams, went the painting route by giving Papi a custom-made portrait. It had no wow factor, though, and isn't particularly memorable, considering they didn't offer him anything else.
16. Custom-made Canada Goose parka - Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays did the most Canadian thing possible, offering Papi a winter jacket as his parting gift. It'll benefit him only if he spends the cold months in Boston, which is unlikely. Either way, a winter jacket is an odd choice for a present in the middle of the summer. Hopefully their $10,000 donation to his Children's Fund made up for it.
