In the strange world of baseball, sometimes a simple gesture, a common moment, can resonate beyond the diamond, telling the broader story of family, ambition, and maybe—even brand savvy. It’s a familiar rhythm in sports: a young talent emerges, carrying not just a bat and glove, but a celebrated name. That often combines pressure and privilege—a narrative baseball fans love. Now, a new chapter in one such legendary baseball family is capturing hearts, hinting at a bright future. Of course, it’s the Ortizs.

The Ortiz name echoes through baseball history, courtesy of the legendary David Ortiz. Or what fans love to call him: “Big Papi.” It turns out he isn’t the only talent in the Ortiz household. Now, his son, D’Angelo Ortiz, has entered the professional world of sports. The 20-year-old infielder was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 2024 draft. He reportedly signed for a $150,000 bonus with the FCL Red Sox. He has already shown promise, batting .377 as a sophomore at Miami Dade College. The young slugger is clearly determined to make a name for himself.

Recently, D’Angelo offered a heartwarming glimpse into his life off the field, celebrating his mother, Tiffany Ortiz. He laced up his crisp white and pink New Balance cleats. He wasn’t just getting ready for another day on the diamond, he was setting the stage for a heartfelt tribute. In a quick Instagram story, D’Angelo tagged both @newbalancebaseball and his mom, @tiffanylortiz, with the playful message: “Getting me right for mothers day!!!!”

The post was more than just a shoutout to his sponsor; it was a glimpse into a young player’s gratitude and family pride. With Mother’s Day approaching, the special edition cleats became a symbol of how baseball’s traditions and family bonds intertwine. Tiffany reshared the story in no time and added a string of eleven pink heart emojis, showing her love. The featured shoes were the New Balance ‘3000v7 Mother’s Day’ cleats, designed to honor moms.

This exchange quietly showcased New Balance’s thoughtful Mother’s Day initiative. The “3000v7 Mother’s Day” cleats are actually “made for elite athletes, and designed to honor their moms and mother figures.” A key feature is a unique area on the side of the shoe where players to write a personal note to their mother. International star Shohei Ohtani also has a signature “Ohtani 1 Mother’s Day” cleat.

This is exactly the type of heartfelt, shareable content D’Angelo was posting. New Balance has a history here, such as their 2019 campaign where players wore cleats with a notebook print, with sales benefiting charity.

The heart behind the hustle: D’Angelo Ortiz and his family foundation

D’Angelo’s appreciation isn’t reserved just for his mother; he deeply honors his father, too. Before Big Papi was enshrined in the Hall of Fame, D’Angelo wrote a touching letter. “Above you being a great baseball player, I want to thank you for being such a great father,” he wrote. He acknowledged, “You have always been the same guy no matter where we are or what the situation is… that—above all else—is the greatest lesson you’ve ever taught me.” This heartfelt tribute showcased the deep love and respect within the family.

Both David and Tiffany Ortiz have openly shared their immense pride in D’Angelo’s journey and character. “I’m very proud of [D’Angelo] because he doesn’t take anything for granted,” David has stated. He further added, “Just because you’re my son doesn’t mean everything will be handed to you. In fact, being my son means you have to work a little harder.” Tiffany agreed, “It’s very exciting, I’m very impressed with D. He’s putting in a lot of hard work, right now.” Their words paint a picture of supportive and grounded parenting.

These touching family moments are not uncommon in the world of baseball; they are a cherished tradition. Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela, for example, honored his parents during Players’ Weekend, crediting their influence. The Braves’ Michael Harris II has shared moments with his mother. And Mookie Betts has always talked of his mom as his first coach. These are the kinds of gestures that remind fans of the human side of the game and how crucial family members are, particularly during heartwarming periods, such as Mother’s Day.

As D’Angelo Ortiz continues to forge his own journey, he’s in the company of other prominent father-son pairs in baseball. Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds, and Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Jr. come to mind. These legacies prove that talent and hard work can shine brightly, even under the weight of a famous name. Now the question is: can D’Angelo Ortiz fulfill his destiny and write his own chapter in baseball history while cherishing these family bonds? Only time will tell, but he’s certainly starting with a lot of heart.