Ortiz, Manny Tested Positive in 2003

Slugger. Clutch Hitter. Yankee killer. Role model. Fan favorite. All-Star. Two-time World Series Champion. And now cheater. The New York Times reported today that Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was on the list of 104 major leaguers who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003. Manny Ramirez was named as well, but that comes as much less of a surprise. Ortiz, though, is different. He led us to believe that he was unique. He was not like Bonds, Clemens, Giambi, or A-Rod. He denounced those who took steroids and gave us so many dramatic moments and come-from-behind wins that it seemed almost magical because it was genuine, not tainted. Time after time, when the Red Sox had their backs to the wall and desperately needed a hit, Ortiz gave us hope. Here was someone we could always count on, someone we could believe in. All that is gone now. David Ortiz has irreparably tarnished his legacy as well as the cherished memories of millions of fans, young and old. And for Red Sox fans, that is what hurts the most.