If we learned anything about David Ortiz during his 20-year career in Major League Baseball, it was that he like cameras. Ortiz was a media favorite, a staple of local and national advertising, and the guy most likely to run onto the field during the Home Run Derby holding a Gatorade bottle. So it’s no surprise he plans to stay on camera in retirement, even beyond his gig as an analyst on Fox’s postseason baseball coverage.
The cable network Fusion announced Tuesday that it will partner will Ortiz on a new 10-part reality series called “Big Papi Needs a Job,” in which the former slugger tests out professions such as dog groomer, manicurist, and musician in search of a new career.
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve never been known for sitting still — after 20 years on the field, I’m ready for something new,” Ortiz said in a statement. “I’ve always been about trying new things, and this series is all about that. I’ve been meeting new people and having a lot of fun. I can’t wait for fans to come along for the ride.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGO-Tduu61w
In a way, this show will be kind of meta. Ortiz will ostensibly be looking for a job, but that “search” and the TV show that comes with it will sort of be his job. Basically, he’ll be job-searching for a living.
Anyway, Ortiz has clearly proven himself charismatic and compelling in front of a camera, most recently as an analyst on Fox (and unofficial buddy-cop partner with Alex Rodriguez). And given the TV opportunities that will surely come to him, it seems safe to say he won’t wind up as a full-time dog groomer.
Big Papi Needs a Job will debut January 31 on Fusion.
