FORT MYERS, Fla. — Once more around the block with David Ortiz, then the retirement papers take effect after the 2016 season and it's off to Legendville. What a ride it's been, fabulous and funny, dramatic and dynamic.
The Minnesota Twins acquired him in September 1996, literally as a player to be named later for third baseman Dave Hollins.
Two secrets, from a guy who was covering the Twins as a beat man in those days for the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press:
One, David Ortiz cries real tears. One of my most vivid memories, still, is March 29, 1999, when he was one of the last players cut by the Twins during spring training that year.