Before Big Papi

Before he was Big Papi, he played for the Appleton Rattlers in the A League.

Under the name David Arias.

Twenty years ago.

The Seattle Mariners went on a barnstorming tour of the minors. Their game in Appleton was rained out, but the Mariners' catcher suggested a home run derby to make up the cancellation for the capacity crowd at Fox Cities Stadium.

The Mariners put up Ken Griffey Jr. Dan Wilson, and a very young Alex Rodriguez versus Luis Tinoco, hitting coach Joaquin Contreras and a slender, but powerful David Ortiz.

People had heard of David Arias, but his first at-bats in the derby had the Mariners saying, "Who is this kid?"

Arias didn't win it, but he has since.

Go Big Papi.

To see a video of this home run derby please go to the following URL http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/allstar2016_96hrderby/how-david-ortiz-stole-show-ken-griffey-alex-rodriguez-home-run-derby