David Ortiz inches closer to milestone with home run No. 495

It's been a disappointing year for Boston Red Sox fans, but there's still a chance to celebrate before the season ends. Designated hitter David Ortiz is inching closer to reaching 500 home runs for his career, and should reach that goal at some point in September.

Ortiz belted No. 494 on Sunday, prompting the Red Sox to put up a banner in left field that would count down his home runs until he reached that magical number.

It didn't take long for them to tear down the first number.

In the bottom of the fourth inning during Monday's contest against the New York Yankees, Ortiz collected No. 495. He belted an 85 mph changeup from Ivan Nova to the opposite field for the solo shot.

Ortiz came dangerously close to hitting the banner the Red Sox put up for him. It was as if he were saying, "I hate that banner, I want it to be gone and I will do everything in my power to make that happen quickly."

It was Ortiz's 29 home run of the season. While the 39-year-old started the season slowly, he's on pace to match his numbers from last year.

Ortiz's run to No. 500 is somewhat amazing considering his career. While he showed some promise with the Minnesota Twins, Ortiz didn't develop into an All-Star until his age-28 season in Boston.

Given his late start and body type, few expected he would continue producing at this rate this late in his career. Ortiz's batting average has fallen off, sure, but he can still get on base and provide power at an above-average clip. Few players can do that at his age.

If he can keep up this pace, Ortiz will achieve the milestone hit at some point in September. Since 500 home runs is a nice, round number, that ought to spark a more furious debate about Ortiz's Hall of Fame candidacy. Hitting 500 home runs in no longer a lock for the Hall, but it should help Ortiz's cause.

Until then, Ortiz will continue to build his case. The Red Sox hold club options on Ortiz's contract through 2017. Next year's option may have already been guaranteed, giving him at least another season to pad his stats.

[Check out Big League Stew on Tumblr for even more baseball awesomeness.]

Based on Ortiz's graceful decline, it would be tough to count him out for 2017 as well. Most hitters are out of the league at his age, and the few who stick around struggle to hit above the Mendoza Line. As he's already proven during his amazing career, David Ortiz isn't most hitters.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik