D’Angelo Ortiz doesn’t just see his father’s legacy—he runs past it every day. It’s a gentle push, which is tied to his last name. But the name alone won’t take him anywhere. David Ortiz, his father, from day one, made sure that he understood that.

Big Papi expressed, “He knows that’s not going to take him anywhere.” He emphasized a fact that his talent and hard work will determine his path, not his last name. The Red Sox took D’Angelo in the 19th round of last year’s draft, designating him 567th overall. The first-rounders landed million-dollar deals. But unlike them, he signed for just $150,000. It’s a modest amount in pro baseball. He didn’t get invited for Major League spring training, and the scouts haven’t even pegged him as a top prospect.

Interestingly, none of it really stopped him. D’Angelo showed up when the Red Sox facility began optional training sessions last fall. And when spring training prep commenced, he was there. His name is built on relentless efforts, not on his father’s reputation. Brian Abraham, Red Sox farm director, has witnessed D’Angelo’s development and also commended his devotion.

“He understands that there’s a long way to go to become a successful big leaguer. But I don’t think he’s not going to get there due to lack of work or lack of wanting to get there.” D’Angelo isn’t rushing after fame; he’s chasing growth.

He’s absorbing knowledge from Red Sox prospects like Marcelo Mayer, who still remembers a lunchroom conversation that impacted him far longer because of D’Angelo’s curiosity about hitting approaches. According to David Ortiz, success isn’t inherited; it’s earned. He said, “I did my thing. He’s got to do his.” And for D’Angelo, that’s the only way forward.

David Ortiz’s firm message for D’Angelo before his Red Sox debut

In an interview with NESN, Big Papi revealed his son’s journey. He was beaming with pride at the young infielder’s work ethic. He said, “Very proud of [D’Angelo] because he doesn’t take anything for granted.” He also added, “A lot of people are telling me how hard he’s been working, how excellent of a kid he is… and, as a father, those are the things that you want to hear.”

David Ortiz carved his own path to Hall of Fame greatness. And he knows better than anyone else that pride alone isn’t enough to make it in baseball. His ultimate message to D’Angelo was that performing good is the only way forward. “There is one thing I always told him—there is no shortcut in baseball,” Ortiz said.

This advice hits even harder now that D’Angelo is gearing up for his first spring training with the Boston Red Sox. The comparisons and expectations are already swirling. The 20-year-old is already aware of the legacy tied to his name. He isn’t shying away that easily; he’s cherishing it.

David Ortiz couldn’t manage to hide his emotions when the Red Sox drafted D’Angelo last year. He publicly expressed, “Big boy, you know, let’s do it. Let’s keep up the good work. Daddy loves you.” Now that D’Angelo enters the field, one thing we know for sure—he is carving his own path instead of walking in his father’s footsteps.