Boston Red Sox Legend David Ortiz, Also Known as Big Papi, Wants Ownership Shares

Boston Red Sox Legend David Ortiz, Also Known as Big Papi, Wants Ownership Shares

David Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” is a name that resonates with every Boston Red Sox fan and baseball enthusiast across the globe. A towering presence at the plate and a beloved figure in the clubhouse, Ortiz defined an era of Red Sox baseball with his clutch performances, infectious personality, and leadership. Now, years after hanging up his cleats, the three-time World Series champion is eyeing a new role—this time, in the front office. Ortiz has publicly expressed interest in acquiring ownership shares in the Boston Red Sox, signaling a desire to deepen his long-standing connection with the franchise.

Ortiz’s request is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the growing trend of athletes seeking stakes in the teams they once played for, transitioning from players to power players in the boardroom. For Ortiz, whose legacy is etched into the walls of Fenway Park and the hearts of Boston fans, the desire to become part-owner represents the next logical step in a career that has consistently defied expectations.

“I love this city. I love this team. Boston is my second home,” Ortiz said in a recent interview. “I’ve given everything I had on the field, and now I want to give back in a different way—by being part of the organization at the ownership level.”

Ortiz’s case for ownership is compelling. He’s arguably the most iconic Red Sox player of the 21st century. During his 14 seasons with Boston, he hit 541 home runs, drove in over 1,700 runs, and played a pivotal role in breaking the franchise’s 86-year championship drought in 2004. He followed that historic run with further World Series titles in 2007 and 2013, solidifying his status as a clutch performer and beloved figure.

But Ortiz’s impact goes beyond the numbers. He was a cultural force within Boston, uniting fans across generations and demographics. His emotional speech at Fenway Park following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing—where he famously declared, “This is our f***ing city”—became an iconic moment of unity and resilience for the city. Ortiz has always represented more than just baseball to Bostonians; he’s a civic figure and a symbol of pride.

In recent years, Ortiz has remained connected to the game as a broadcaster and ambassador, but ownership would mark a dramatic elevation in influence. It would also align with a broader movement of players seeking equity and long-term involvement in the sports they helped shape. Across the NBA and NFL, several former athletes—such as LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Derek Jeter—have either acquired or expressed interest in ownership stakes. Ortiz’s bid reflects a similar aspiration, particularly in a sport like Major League Baseball, where player-to-owner transitions remain relatively rare.

There are both challenges and opportunities in Ortiz’s path. The Red Sox are owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), a powerful conglomerate that also owns Liverpool FC, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and other sports entities. FSG has a reputation for shrewd business operations, and any sale or redistribution of shares must align with its broader strategic goals. However, bringing Ortiz into the ownership circle could carry significant public relations and brand value. His presence would not only galvanize the fan base but also inject a strong sense of continuity and tradition into the organization’s future.

There is also the broader issue of diversity in MLB ownership. Baseball, historically lacking in minority representation in executive roles, would benefit from a high-profile figure like Ortiz stepping into the ownership realm. As a Dominican-American and one of the most influential Latino players in history, Ortiz’s inclusion would be a progressive step for the league, sending a message of inclusivity and modernity.

From a business standpoint, Ortiz’s deep ties with sponsors, fans, and media could also offer valuable returns. His personal brand remains strong, and aligning that with Red Sox leadership could create new opportunities in marketing, community outreach, and talent development.

Ultimately, Ortiz’s desire to become a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox is about more than just business or nostalgia. It’s about legacy. Having left an indelible mark on the field, Big Papi now wants to help shape the future of the team that defined his career. In many ways, it feels like a natural evolution—an opportunity for Ortiz to give back to the organization and city that embraced him as one of their own.

Whether or not Fenway Sports Group decides to open the ownership circle remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: David Ortiz’s voice carries weight in Boston, and his next chapter could be just as influential as the last.