FORT MYERS, Fla. — In 2015, David Ortiz wrote a story for The Players’ Tribune about the five toughest pitchers he has ever faced.
New Red Sox starter Sonny Gray, who Boston acquired from the Cardinals on Nov. 25, made the list along with Pedro Martinez, Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina and Carter Capps.
On Thursday here at JetBlue Park, Gray recalled making Ortiz’s Top 5. Gray, who is now 36, was a 25-year-old pitcher for the Oakland Athletics at the time. He was in his third major league season.
The topic came up when Gray was asked if he remembers being named in trade rumors to the Red Sox a decade ago. While Gray said he doesn’t remember the rumors, he does remember facing the Red Sox and making Ortiz’s list.
“He was like, ‘Yeah, you just don’t know what his ball’s gonna do. And at the time, I didn’t know what my ball was gonna do,” Gray joked. “I would just throw a four-seam, and it would sometimes go that way. … I understand what I’m doing a little bit more now. I remember that, for sure. I don’t remember the other rumors. I’m sure they were there. I feel like I’ve been surrounded with trade rumors my whole career.”
Ortiz wrote, “The first time I see this Gray kid on the mound, I can’t help but notice he’s 5’10” and skinny. He looks like the guy who fixes my computer at the Apple Store. I’m thinking, Here we go. This is gonna be fun. Then he took me for a ride, man. Fastball. Sinker. Slider. Curve … Whap. Whap. Whap. You have no idea what this kid is going to throw. He drives me crazy.”