Clubhouse Q&A on 'baseball dad' David Ortiz

We've all seen this before from David Ortiz.

The 10-time All-Star sucked the life out of a raucous Rogers Centre on Sunday, smacking a game-changing three-run home run over the right-field wall in an 11-8 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in what manager John Farrell labeled as the biggest win of the season.

Ortiz's heroics were nothing new for his teammates, who have watched in awe this season as the 40-year-old continues to add to his legacy with each swing.

We talked with several Red Sox players to discuss the impact Ortiz has had in their careers and what it's like to have a three-time World Series winner in the clubhouse as they make their push for the AL East title.

The Clubhouse Papi

Fernando Abad, reliever: He's the man. Everybody loves to play with him, everybody loves to be around him. He's a veteran guy and when you want to know something about baseball, you go to Papi.

Andrew Benintendi, outfielder: I grew up watching him play. Something I've learned from him is just the routine he goes through everyday. He doesn't change that at all, whether it's going good or bad.Obviously he's a future Hall of Famer, so to be able to be up here when he's doing all of this is pretty special.

Sandy Leon, catcher: It's great. David is the type of person who is going to come into the clubhouse and be happy everyday. He's going to talk to you, he's going to support what you're trying to do, he's going to help you. It can be hitting - he'll talk to you about any hitter on the other team. He's been around for a lot of years, so he knows. It feels really good being in this clubhouse with a guy who is going to be in the Hall of Fame at some point.

Matt Barnes, reliever: It's really special. Anytime you get to come to the ballpark and play with a guy like that it's an honor. Watching what he's done growing up and being able to witness it and see it live over the last couple of years ... he's a special player.

Abad: My agent told me, "You got traded. I don't know to who but you're getting traded soon before the trade deadline." Then the Boston Red Sox GM called me and said, "You've been traded to Boston, welcome." I was excited, it's my mom's favorite team. I called her, she was crying, and she said, "Oh my god, my dreams come (true). You finally play for my team, next to Ortiz."

Pennant race with a legend

Clay Buchholz, pitcher: I think you could probably go around the league and ask anybody on any team who'd they want in a big spot in the playoffs or in a World Series and I'm pretty sure at least 90 percent of those people would say David Ortiz. It's something that we're fortunate to have had for a long time. His presence, it is what it is, it's David Ortiz and everybody respects that. Everybody knows that he's a threat at any given point and that's good to have on your side.

Travis Shaw, infielder: We're just trying to get him there. This is his last year and if we can get him (to the playoffs) who knows what's going to happen. I know everybody wants to get him there for one last ride. It would be a perfect way for him to go out.

Matt Barnes: I think what he's done in the postseason speaks for itself. How clutch the guy's been through his 20 years and what he's done everytime he's been in the postseason or World Series. Not only his performance but his experience and leadership going forward through that is incredibly important.

Papi knows baseball

Mookie Betts, outfielder: He's helped me just to trust myself in all situations and all facets of the game. That's pretty much it. You're here for a reason. He always says, "Don't add pressure to yourself. Just go enjoy the game and let the rest take care of itself."

Clay Buchholz: Earlier in the year, we were talking about how it wasn't that my stuff was diminishing, it was more command, location, and throwing the right pitches in the right situations. As a Hall of Fame hitter, he knows what pitchers are probably going to throw him the majority of the time. Everybody gets beat now and again but he's found a way to stay really consistent in his approach in the box, and anytime you're going to get advice from somebody of that caliber, it's a good idea to listen. I've been fortunate to be around him for a while now and he's somebody that anybody could learn from regardless of how old or young they are.

Travis Shaw: Last year he was huge for me. He's a really good influence to all the younger guys. He has a very calm attitude. He kind of guides guys, teaches them how to go about things and what to do on a day-in and day-out basis. He's been a blessing to a lot of us young players.

Sandy Leon: I met David last year. I know he's a really great player but he's a really good person. That's what David's all about. He's trying to help everybody - young guys, old guys, veteran guys. He's a pretty special guy.

David Ortiz: What word comes to mind?

Andrew Benintendi: The man.

Travis Shaw: Superstar.

Fernando Abad: Don't retire.

Dave Dombrowski: Dynamic.

Clay Buchholz: Cooperstown.

Matt Barnes: Hall of Famer, even though that's not one word.

Mookie Betts: For me, he's not like a dad, but kind of like a baseball dad. He overlooks everything. Anything you do or want to do, you go ask David. He's been there and done it.

(Note: Interviews were condensed and edited for clarity.)