The nicknames of Red Sox legends remain in the Boston lexicon decades after their playing days are over. From Ted Williams (“The Kid”) to Carl Yastrzemski (“Yaz”) and even Roger Clemens (“Rocket”), the names stick in the team’s history.
A memorable addition was made to that list in the 21st century with the arrival of David Ortiz in Boston. Ortiz’s physical stature and knack for home runs (especially in clutch situations) made his nickname, “Big Papi,” seem particularly fitting.
An interesting footnote is exactly how Ortiz got “Big Papi” as a nickname. According to NESN television analyst Jerry Remy, it started with him.