Why I Like David Ortiz

Even though he's a Red Sock and killed the Redbirds in 2004, I really like David Ortiz.

Along with being one of the best hitters in the game, he plays with a kind of rare joy that I wish more ballplayers had.

Last night, while running the bases, he got utterly run down between first and second. He was a dead man, a sure out if ever there was one. But instead of meekly letting himself be tagged out by Mariners' shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, he took a couple of steps forward and gave Betancourt a big bear hug.

You've got to love a guy like that.