It’s seems as though we’ve entered a season for goodbyes. The basketball world has spent the whole season on Kobe’s farewell tour. And now that baseball season is upon us, the big farewell is for Big Papi, aka David Ortiz, who has announced that this will be his last season. In yesterday’s home opener, the Red Sox gave its star – arguably the best hitter they’ve had this century and a likely future Hall-of-Famer – well-deserved praise.
After receiving a standing ovation, the pelotero stood stunned at the first base line while his 15-year-old daughter, Alex, surprised him with her rendition of the National Anthem. It was an emotional moment for the 40 year-old, who hid his nervous pride behind big tinted sunglasses, and was moved to tears.
“I was more nervous during that moment than during any at-bat in my entire career. It wasn’t about me. It was about her,” he said after the game. That says a lot for a guy who’s hit 505 home runs and sits at 26th place on the all-time HR list.
Later, Ortiz threw the ceremonial first pitch along some of Boston’s greatest stars. Former teammates Pedro Martinez, Tim Wakefield, and Jason Varitek were all at his side for the ceremonial “Play ball!”
And even though the Red Sox lost the game 9-7 to the Orioles, and Big Papi went two for five with an RBI, he did bat into a crucial double play in the ninth inning. We’re sure he’ll have many more chances to wow us before the year is up.
