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One does not hit 500 career home runs without a bit on consistency. It's something David Ortiz knows all too well.

The Boston Red Sox's designated hitter spoke with the media hours before a Fenway Park celebration of his historic achievement, and reminded everyone that the underlying message in his milestone is how hard he's worked day-in and day-out.

"Struggles are part of this game. Being in slumps are part of this game," Ortiz said, as seen on NESN's "Red Sox Gameday Live." "Maybe Mr. Ted Williams, when he hit .407, he probably never struggled during that season. But too bad. It doesn't work like that in today's game."

Check out more from Ortiz in the video above.

Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images