Even titans have fathers — and when they fall, the echo hits generations. For someone known as “Big Papi,” David Ortiz suddenly feels like a son again, grieving the man who made him one. The loss runs deep, not just in headlines but in heartfelt posts from his children and the quiet sorrow of his ex-wife. This isn’t just a family in mourning — it’s a dynasty momentarily brought to its knees.
The Ortiz family lost a guiding light, David Ortiz lost a proud father, and his children lost a beloved grandfather. While the world will mourn the loss of a legend that gave us ‘Big Papi’, it is a good time ot remember the good time he had, just like his grandchildren and David Ortiz’s ex-wife are.
In their recent Instagram activity, both Alex Ortiz and D’Angelo Ortiz paid tribute to their abuelo. Alex Ortiz posted pics of her grandpa with the caption, “They say strong men raise weak ones, but you made my dad, my aunties, and uncles such strong people… May you be at peace as God holds you in His comfort… If God permits, we will be together again in time.” Added to this, D’Angelo Ortiz posted a story writing, “My abuelo is one of the most important people to me in the world… I haven’t felt pain like this in a while… Love u forever.” David Ortiz’s ex-wife Tiffany also gave him tribute with a rest in peace message.
Américo “Leo” Ortiz was more than a father — he was David Ortiz’s first coach, compass, and hero. Working long hours at an auto parts shop, he quietly sacrificed comfort to keep his family afloat. Even with a relentless schedule, he once surprised young David at a Little League game, escaping work just to see him hit a home run. Those rare, quiet gestures became unforgettable lessons in love, grit, and what true presence looks like.
Leo, a former ballplayer himself, taught David to stay grounded, focused, and faithful to baseball. He shaped his son’s swing and spirit, reminding him that talent without discipline is easily wasted. Long before David became “Big Papi,” Leo made sure humility, respect, and resilience took root. Today, those same seeds bloom in Ortiz’s children, echoing their grandfather’s strength in a new generation.
Now retired, David Ortiz honors his father by mentoring youth and lifting communities in need. Through his foundation, he provides life-saving care and hopes to children in the Dominican Republic and New England. He still walks into hospitals and homes with the same quiet presence Leo once brought to the dugout. In every life he touches, Ortiz is simply passing forward the love that once showed up unannounced.
And just like that, the strength of Américo “Leo” Ortiz now lives on through three generations. From the swing David perfected to the tears D’Angelo shed and the wisdom Alex posted, Leo’s legacy isn’t fading—it’s multiplying. The man who once escaped a shift to see his son Homer is now the heartbeat behind a Hall of Famer, a family pillar, and a foundation saving lives. So yes, the world may have lost “Big Papi’s” dad—but heaven just gained its toughest scout.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat joins family in mourning David Ortiz’s late father.
When a man helps raise “Big Papi,” you can bet his impact stretches far beyond backyard batting practice. David Ortiz may have hit 541 home runs, but his father, Américo “Leo” Ortiz, built the foundation they all stood on. That’s why it’s not just ballplayers and grandkids remembering him—it’s also congressmen like Adriano Espaillat, who know legends aren’t only made in stadiums, but in the quiet strength of fathers.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat offered his condolences to David Ortiz, mourning the loss of Mr. Américo “Leo” Ortiz. In a heartfelt message, he wrote, “We send our prayers, our respect, and our heartfelt embrace to David… May he rest in peace.” The tribute recognized the deep bond between father and son, one built on love, loyalty, and shared sacrifice.
Ortiz had recently honored his father with words full of gratitude, reflecting the impact Leo had on him. The congressman’s message wasn’t political—it was personal, speaking to the legacy behind the slugger’s success. When “Big Papi” grieves, the nation doesn’t just watch—it reaches out and grieves with him.
Leo Ortiz never needed a stadium to prove his greatness—he raised one in David Ortiz instead. Congressman Espaillat’s tribute simply confirmed what baseball fans already knew: legends don’t start in the batter’s box, they start at home. In mourning Leo, we’re not just honoring a father—we’re tipping our cap to the man who made “Big Papi” possible. Some heroes hit homers; others raise the ones who do.
The post “Haven’t Felt a Pain Like This” – David Ortiz’s Children, Ex-wife Join in Mourning As Family Suffers Major Loss appeared first on EssentiallySports.
