David Ortiz’ road to Boston started with a phone call from then pitcher and now Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez to the Red Sox hierarchy. Ortiz, who had just been released by the Minnesota Twins following the 2002 season, was good friends with his Dominican countryman Martinez and Pedro knew of his potential. Seizing the opportunity, the Red Sox offered Ortiz a free agent contract and 14 seasons later, “Big Papi” rode off into the retirement sunset with 541 home runs (483 with Boston), three World Series Titles and a bridge named after him.

Before the start of the 2016 season, Big Papi announced that the upcoming season would be his last. Ortiz’ 2016, his final season, was not only impressive, it was historic. No other player in the history of the game over the age of 40, hit more home runs than “Big Papi”. Ortiz finished the 2016 with 38 home runs, a league-leading 127 RBI, with a .315 batting average as helped lead the Red Sox to the American League Eastern Division Title.

Offered is the very helmet Ortiz wore for his final home opener of his storied career. The Red Sox opened their Fenway Park schedule and despite Big Papi’s double and RBI, the Red Sox fell to the Orioles 9-7. This size 7 ¾ Rawlings navy blue helmet has the Red Sox “B” decal on the front center. The back of the helmet has the raised decals of Ortiz’s number “34” and the MLB logo. A soft black inner lining surrounds the inside of the helmet, which has a right ear flap. The helmet shows solid use with scratches and scuff marks present throughout. Ortiz signed his name in bold silver marker on the outer brim and inscribed “G.U 4/11/16”, “2-5 1 RBI” and “Final Home Opener”. This game used and signed helmet comes with an MLB Authenticated hologram (JB042223), which authenticates both the game use to April 5th and Ortiz’s signature and inscriptions and a hologram from Fanatics (ZZ0020223), who have authenticated Ortiz’s signature and inscription.

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