Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hit his 35th home run of the year in the first inning of Wednesday’s 10-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, giving him a franchise-record six seasons with 35 or more home runs, per Sportsnet Stats.
Previously tied with Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx and Manny Ramirez with five such seasons, Ortiz hit a solo shot to center field off Orioles pitcher Mike Wright to set the new franchise record.
Ortiz also became just the fourth player in MLB history to hit 35 home runs at the age of 39 or older, joining Steve Finley, Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron, per Sportsnet Stats.
Boston’s longtime designated hitter got off to a slow start in the first half of the season, which led to speculation he might finally be nearing the end of the line.
However, Ortiz has put any questions to rest with his impressive second-half hot streak, improving his season-long batting line to .273/.361/.555 at the end of Wednesday’s game, with his 35 home runs supplemented by 97 RBI, 68 runs and 31 doubles.
There’s now little question he will play at least one more season, with his current contract running through 2016.
Ortiz’s 501 career home runs are good for 27th place on the all-time list, and he appears primed to eventually finish his career with a spot in the top 20.
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