In case you missed it: This past Monday was David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s final home game at the illustrious Fenway Park. Fenway Park has been home to David Ortiz for the past 14 years and he has delivered three World Championships to the city, including bringing Boston back from the 2013 bombings. When he arrived at the stadium last Monday, he circled it several times in order to get the full dimensions of the entire facility. Yet, over his 14 years at Fenway he had never drove around it so many times to actually take it all in.
Regardless, David Ortiz, against his trainer’s orders, took extra batting practice throughout the American League Division Series and continually launched home runs into the stands for unruly fans. Though he could not deliver in game three, even though he had a chance in the bottom in the 8th inning.
In the bottom of the 8th inning Ortiz had the chance to repeat his magic from the 2013 American League Championship Series, when the Red Sox defeated the Tigers in six games. Even though he was in the position to tie the game at four, he was thrown four pitches off of the plate. After a relatively uneventful time at bat, Ortiz waltzed his way to first base and was later taken out by a pinch runner.
Once Ortiz eventually departed the game he was, "Screaming at my team to put me back in it and make me wear this uniform one more day, because I wasn’t ready to be over with the playoffs.” Even though Ortiz pleaded with Red Sox Manager, John Farrell, his night was over. Despite Ortiz’s actions on and off of the field the Red Sox 2016 campaign ended at 9:51 p.m. in front of thousands of fans.
After leaving the field John Farrell spoke to a defeated Red Sox team that had no business getting swept by an upstart Indians team. According to Xander Boegarts, the Red Sox starting shortstop, the team had reason to be optimistic heading into the postseason but they could not deliver. Also, Papi was an integral part of the Red Sox organization and he has a really bright future ahead of him in whatever he choses to pursue.
Nearly ten minutes after receiving the speech from John Farrell, David Ortiz walked out onto the Fenway grass one last time in front of thousands of fans. When he walked out of the dugout he headed towards the pitchers mound where he had delivered one of the most inspirational speeches in Boston history. However, this time there was no speech, only free flowing tears and receiving respect from all of the fans left in the park as well as the millions watching at home. Papi will always be respected and known as one of the greatest Red Sox players of all time. Papi, in case you are reading this, there is always a place for you in Boston! You are one of the greatest and I just wanted to thank you for all of your time with the Red Sox!!!
