ESPN Films Announces New Project “David Ortiz: The Last Walk Off”
March 14, 2016
ESPN Films today announced a new digital documentary project, “David Ortiz: The Last Walk Off,” that will chronicle highlights from Ortiz’s final season with the Boston Red Sox. Directed by Gotham Chopra (director of ESPN Films’ “The Little Master”), the series is comprised of four short features and one half hour special that will focus on Ortiz’s reflections as he walks away from the game he loves. Spread across the 2016 MLB season, the features will chronicle moments throughout the last season of Ortiz’s iconic MLB career. “David Ortiz: The Last Walk Off” will capture the raw, honest and intense moments of one of the most charismatic and beloved athletes ever to play in Boston.
Chopra commented: “As a Boston native, my 12-year-old self is in disbelief that I am now working with ESPN Films and alongside a Red Sox all-time great. David’s willingness to open up his life on and off the field during this incredibly transitional moment for him, along with ESPN’s continued effort to break new ground in documentary storytelling, is exciting for me. It’s why I love sports and why I think the stories within them transcend just what happens on the field.”
The first feature was previewed on Sunday’s 10 a.m. ET SportsCenter and is currently available digitally on ESPN.com, the WatchESPN app, and via 30 for 30 social platforms. Additional shorts will debut throughout the baseball season and the final 30-minute special will premiere both digitally and on ESPN just after the season as Big Papi begins life after baseball and reflects on his final season.
“I am happy to launch this project with ESPN Films as it allows me to reach my fans all over the world, and to share the end of my career with them in a meaningful way,” said Ortiz.
“David Ortiz – The Last Walk Off” is produced in conjunction with the newly formed Big Papi Productions. David Ortiz and his longtime marketing agent and manager Alex Radetsky serve as executive producers on the project.