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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 23, 2022 13:27:22 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1h David Ortiz taking questions here in Cooperstown.
Ortiz says he is honored by the presence of Juan Marichal, the first Dominican Hall of Famer.
Ortiz said it means a lot to have some of his former teammates here. Said they’re like family.
The Sox will be represented at the Hall induction by John Henry, Tom Werner, Sam Kennedy, Phil Morse, Chaim Bloom, Brian O’Halloran, Raquel Ferreira, Eddie Romero and Pam Kenn.
These are the former Sox players expected to attend: Johnny Damon, Mike Lowell, Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Kevin Youkilis.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 23, 2022 13:29:30 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 50m A lot of Sox players from 04, 07 here this weekend. Pedro,Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, Johnny Damon, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Millar, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield to name a few. "I always had my teammates' backs and they always had mine. That's why you see them here," Ortiz said.
As a former Twin, Ortiz appreciative to have Tony Olivia and "Mr. Jim Kaat" also getting inducted this weekend.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 23, 2022 16:34:53 GMT -5
A giant in Red Sox history, David Ortiz remains a huge figure in sports and life after baseball By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated July 23, 2022, 12:01 p.m.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — While a plaque in Cooperstown will immortalize the playing career of David Ortiz, the newly elected Hall of Famer’s influence on the game has not been frozen in carbonite.
His larger-than-life persona remains felt across the sport, both in his continued role as one of the most recognizable — and marketable ― faces in baseball and in his efforts to mentor new generations of players.
That ongoing relationship with the game is a natural outgrowth of a path forged during his playing career, one where an all-encompassing commitment to competition for nine innings yielded to friendships outside of the confines of games.
“He brings so much to this game and outside of this game,” said Tigers star Miguel Cabrera. “We want to follow his steps. We want to be like Big Papi.”
Ortiz, of course, is a Red Sox icon. Over 14 years from 2003-16, he smashed 500 homers — 483 in the regular season, 17 in the playoffs — and made 10 All-Star teams, the on-field accomplishments that served as the primary basis for his election to the Hall of Fame.
In Boston, his status transcended those accomplishments. He emerged as the central narrative-shattering player in the transformation of the Red Sox from a beleaguered franchise that failed to win a championship over 86 years to one that has claimed four titles in the 21st century — three with Ortiz in the middle of the lineup. He became the voice of the region in the wake of the Marathon bombings in 2013. A powerful case can be made that he is the most significant Red Sox player of all time.
Yet his imprint as a player was not limited to Boston or the Red Sox. The legendary slugger emerged as a source of counsel to the entire sport. He’d invariably arrived at Fenway on the phone with someone in the game, anyone from a minor leaguer to commissioner Rob Manfred, and that reach has not receded in retirement.
“He’s the kind of player that makes our game what it is,” said Manfred.
That has always been the case, dating to long before Ortiz emerged as a superstar. Albert Pujols recalled tracking Ortiz when he was a minor leaguer in the Mariners system in the 1990s, and has remained close to him for more than a quarter-century.
“Back in the Dominican Republic, I got in a lot of trouble with my parents because I used to skip school to go watch David Ortiz when nobody knew David Ortiz. He used to play for Seattle and [the Mariners’ Dominican academy] was in my backyard,” said Pujols. “David was like a big brother to me.
“Just forget about the numbers and forget what he did in the field. To me, it’s what he does off the field with his foundation and the impact that he has made and the life changes that he has made for others. That’s what I admire the most about David Ortiz,” Pujols continued. “I can pick up my phone and call him any time; he can pick his and call me any time, and every time we talk, he’s just full of wisdom.”
To Ortiz, that responsibility as a mentor, as a person who answers a call from a younger player, is precious. So it’s somewhat surprising that he feels the current generation of players is not taking full advantage of it.
“In my day, when I was trying to figure things out, I would love to have a friend like David Ortiz who would share his thoughts about the game, about what he knows, about what he learned,” said Ortiz. “I’m a guy that, I’m open always. [But] it’s not like you receive many phone calls from players trying to figure things out. So, it’s kind of like, OK, I did my thing, you do yours.”
Yet while Ortiz expresses some befuddlement about the infrequency with which current players contact him, players express amazement about how much he does remain engaged with them even after his playing days.
Ortiz remains a brother to contemporaries from his playing days, a father figure for those who arrived in the big leagues late in Ortiz’s career or since his retirement, and sometimes both.
“Large father, large brother; he wears all the hats for me,” said Mookie Betts, who estimated that he still talks to Ortiz at least once a month.
One after another, All-Stars testified to the considerable role that Ortiz has played and continues to play in their careers and lives. Rafael Devers, who met Ortiz early in his time in the Red Sox organization, said that Ortiz regularly checks in about his family life.
Nationals star Juan Soto — whose debut came in 2018, two years after Ortiz retired — said that when he got off to a slow start this season, Ortiz was on the phone talking him through his uncharacteristic struggles. Mariners rookie star Julio Rodriguez said that he met Ortiz this past winter in the Dominican — before Rodriguez had made his big league debut — with the legend offering encouragement.
“Big Papi is Big Papi. He’s not changed one bit since he’s retired,” said Padres third baseman Manny Machado. “He’s the same guy. Those are the people you want to be around.”
Manfred is similarly grateful for the input offered by Ortiz on a variety of issues.
“After I was elected [commissioner], one of the first players that I formed a relationship with where I really could say he was a friend was David,” said Manfred. “He was really helpful to me, always willing to give you honest advice, and that’s the best kind of friend you can have.”
While Ortiz maintains plenty of informal involvement in the game through personal relationships, he’s also maintained more official roles within it. Many stars who have spent decades in the game retreat, at least for a time, once they’ve retired. Ortiz has created his own sort of barnstorming tour in his post-playing career.
“He’s harder to find than the president,” joked Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “You look and he’s in Boston one day and then he’s in LA the other one, then he’s with [music star] Bad Bunny playing softball.”
Ortiz never fully stepped away from the game. He accepted a role immediately after his retirement as a Red Sox special assistant, serving as an ambassador for the franchise, talking to big league and minor league players, while making community appearances and meeting with corporate partners on behalf of the Sox.
“He’s just always there and willing to help. He loves the Boston Red Sox, he loves this region, this fan base. And he’s, he’s always available,” said Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, who recalled evidence of that notion when visiting Ortiz in the hospital when he was recovering from surgeries after he’d been shot in the Dominican Republic. “He was just locked in on every single game, every pitch. And I was struck that, you know, it’s not your normal retired baseball player.”
And in retirement, Ortiz has remained a face of the sport, through his work as a Fox Sports analyst and his many advertising engagements. The opportunities exceed his available time.
“I’ve gotten to the point I have to say no sometimes,” said Ortiz. “[But] when you’re hot, you’re hot. You’ve got to take advantage of what is happening right now.”
Ortiz’s experiences, and wealth, could create a number of opportunities moving forward. Kennedy suggested that Ortiz could join an ownership group, become more involved with the Red Sox front office, or take a role working with the league office about the direction of the game.
“He’s good at everything,” said Kennedy. “This guy could literally do whatever he wants to do.”
For now, Ortiz seems energized by his array of responsibilities — someone whose retirement as a player did not signal his fade from the game. His induction into the Hall of Fame represents, in many ways, the final defining emblem of his playing career, but his life in baseball continues to evolve.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 23, 2022 16:38:12 GMT -5
‘He’s the player who changed everything’: David Ortiz’s entry into Hall immortality has finally arrived By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated July 23, 2022, 28 minutes ago
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — We are all judged by individual accomplishments and the company we keep. No one more so than a professional athlete.
David Ortiz hit 541 regular-season home runs, won three World Series with the Red Sox, and was a 10-time All-Star. He’s one of only five players with at least 500 home runs and 600 doubles. Flip over his baseball card and the bold numbers tell the story of an extraordinary 20-year major league career.
The final validation will come Sunday when Ortiz is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Then, he will walk with legends.
“Very excited, very excited,” Ortiz said Saturday. “I got to hang out with a couple of Hall of Famers and they gave me a huge welcome. Throughout my career, I got to meet all of them, pretty much. It’s a huge honor.”
As of Saturday, 52 of the 75 living Hall of Famers are expected to attend the ceremony. Among them will be Red Sox icons Wade Boggs, Pedro Martinez, and Jim Rice.
Carl Yastrzemski, who turns 83 next month, had concerns about COVID-19 and decided to skip the ceremony. He plans to be at Fenway Park on Tuesday when the Red Sox recognize Ortiz.
Of special significance to Ortiz will be the presence of 84-year-old Juan Marichal, the first Dominican voted to the Hall of Fame. Ortiz will be the fourth.
“Juan was basically the one who opened the door for Pedro, Vladdy [Guerrero], and now myself,” Ortiz said. “It’s quite an honor to have him around. I call him ‘El Doctor’ because he’s such a great human being and we all love him.”
Marichal won 243 games from 1960-75, five of them for the Red Sox in 1974. He’s one of the game’s most respected elder statesmen.
“I’m proud of David,” Marichal said. “It was not always easy for him. But he showed determination. I’m glad to be here to see this for him.”
Ortiz, 46, was a first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame after a two-decade career that started with the Minnesota Twins in 1997.
As Marichal alluded to, it was not a straight path to the Hall. Ortiz was released after the 2002 season and was a free agent for nearly six weeks before signing with the Red Sox for a modest $1.25 million.
It remains one of the best moves in franchise history, as Ortiz led the Sox to a historic championship in 2004, then subsequent titles in 2007 and 2013. He retired after the 2016 season as one of the best postseason hitters in history.
“We had a lot of battles,” said Mariano Rivera, the brilliant Yankees closer who was a unanimous choice to the Hall in 2019. “He deserves to be here.”
As is his way, Ortiz turned his press conference on Saturday into a performance. He arrived at a gymnasium adjacent to the grassy field where the induction will be held wearing mirrored sunglasses, and for 25 minutes answered questions in English and Spanish.
When the moderator tried to end the session, Ortiz answered two more questions from the throng of journalists from the Dominican Republic, then took out his phone and shot a selfie with the crowd.
He also used the occasion to promote a party being held at a brewery on the outskirts of Cooperstown after the induction. The free event will be televised in the Dominican and include live bands. Thousands are expected to attend.
Ortiz’s election is seen as a boon for the local economy. The pandemic canceled the induction ceremony in 2020, and a muted affair was held last September, drawing a crowd of 20,000. At least twice as many are expected Sunday, with Red Sox fans pouring into the region from New England.
Cooperstown’s picturesque Main Street has been awash with Sox fans for several days, many wearing Ortiz’s No. 34 jersey. The Hall itself has long lines with patrons lining up to see a display that features Ortiz’s three World Series rings, a jersey he wore in Game 1 of the 2004 Series, a batting helmet from 2005, and a bat from 2013.
In the memorabilia stores adjacent to the Hall, baseball’s with Ortiz’s autograph are selling for as much as $1,575.
“We had to be here for Big Papi,” said Robert, a Sox fan from Natick who asked that his last name not be used. “He’s the player who changed everything.”
The out-of-town visitors on Sunday will include Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner, and a cadre of team executives. Former Sox players Johnny Damon, Mike Lowell, Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Kevin Youkilis — champions all — are here to support Ortiz.
“It’s like a family,” Ortiz said. “It’s not just about the God-given talent you get.”
The inductees have been given 10 minutes to speak. Ortiz plans to address the crowd in English and Spanish.
Martinez, a master communicator, advised his friend to stay focused.
“Just be me,” Ortiz said.
It has gotten him this far.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 4:07:22 GMT -5
‘He’s the player who changed everything’: David Ortiz’s entry into Hall immortality has finally arrived By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated July 23, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — We are all judged by individual accomplishments and the company we keep. No one more so than a professional athlete.
David Ortiz hit 541 regular-season home runs, won three World Series with the Red Sox, and was a 10-time All-Star. He’s one of only five players with at least 500 home runs and 600 doubles. Flip over his baseball card and the bold numbers tell the story of an extraordinary 20-year major league career.
The final validation will come Sunday when Ortiz is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Then, he will walk with legends.
“Very excited, very excited,” Ortiz said Saturday. “I got to hang out with a couple of Hall of Famers and they gave me a huge welcome. Throughout my career, I got to meet all of them, pretty much. It’s a huge honor.”
As of Saturday, 52 of the 75 living Hall of Famers are expected to attend the ceremony. Among them will be Red Sox icons Wade Boggs, Pedro Martinez, and Jim Rice.
Carl Yastrzemski, who turns 83 next month, had concerns about COVID-19 and decided to skip the ceremony. He plans to be at Fenway Park on Tuesday when the Red Sox recognize Ortiz.
Of special significance to Ortiz will be the presence of 84-year-old Juan Marichal, the first Dominican voted to the Hall of Fame. Ortiz will be the fourth.
“Juan was basically the one who opened the door for Pedro, Vladdy [Guerrero], and now myself,” Ortiz said. “It’s quite an honor to have him around. I call him ‘El Doctor’ because he’s such a great human being and we all love him.”
Marichal won 243 games from 1960-75, five of them for the Red Sox in 1974. He’s one of the game’s most respected elder statesmen.
“I’m proud of David,” Marichal said. “It was not always easy for him. But he showed determination. I’m glad to be here to see this for him.”
Ortiz, 46, was a first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame after a two-decade career that started with the Minnesota Twins in 1997.
As Marichal alluded to, it was not a straight path to the Hall. Ortiz was released after the 2002 season and was a free agent for nearly six weeks before signing with the Red Sox for a modest $1.25 million.
It remains one of the best moves in franchise history, as Ortiz led the Sox to a historic championship in 2004, then subsequent titles in 2007 and 2013. He retired after the 2016 season as one of the best postseason hitters in history.
“We had a lot of battles,” said Mariano Rivera, the brilliant Yankees closer who was a unanimous choice to the Hall in 2019. “He deserves to be here.”
As is his way, Ortiz turned his press conference on Saturday into a performance. He arrived at a gymnasium adjacent to the grassy field where the induction will be held wearing mirrored sunglasses, and for 25 minutes answered questions in English and Spanish.
When the moderator tried to end the session, Ortiz answered two more questions from the throng of journalists from the Dominican Republic, then took out his phone and shot a selfie with the crowd.
He also used the occasion to promote a party being held at a brewery on the outskirts of Cooperstown after the induction. The free event will be televised in the Dominican and include live bands. Thousands are expected to attend.
Ortiz’s election is seen as a boon for the local economy. The pandemic canceled the induction ceremony in 2020, and a muted affair was held last September, drawing a crowd of 20,000. At least twice as many are expected Sunday, with Red Sox fans pouring into the region from New England.
Cooperstown’s picturesque Main Street has been awash with Sox fans for several days, many wearing Ortiz’s No. 34 jersey. The Hall itself has long lines with patrons lining up to see a display that features Ortiz’s three World Series rings, a jersey he wore in Game 1 of the 2004 Series, a batting helmet from 2005, and a bat from 2013.
In the memorabilia stores adjacent to the Hall, baseball’s with Ortiz’s autograph are selling for as much as $1,575.
“We had to be here for Big Papi,” said Robert, a Sox fan from Natick who asked that his last name not be used. “He’s the player who changed everything.”
The out-of-town visitors on Sunday will include Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner, and a cadre of team executives. Former Sox players Johnny Damon, Mike Lowell, Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Kevin Youkilis — champions all — are here to support Ortiz.
“It’s like a family,” Ortiz said. “It’s not just about the God-given talent you get.”
The inductees have been given 10 minutes to speak. Ortiz plans to address the crowd in English and Spanish.
Martinez, a master communicator, advised his friend to stay focused.
“Just be me,” Ortiz said.
It has gotten him this far.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 4:09:58 GMT -5
A giant in Red Sox history, David Ortiz remains a huge figure in sports and life after baseball By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated July 23, 2022, 12:01 p.m.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — While a plaque in Cooperstown will immortalize the playing career of David Ortiz, the newly elected Hall of Famer’s influence on the game has not been frozen in carbonite.
His larger-than-life persona remains felt across the sport, both in his continued role as one of the most recognizable — and marketable ― faces in baseball and in his efforts to mentor new generations of players.
That ongoing relationship with the game is a natural outgrowth of a path forged during his playing career, one where an all-encompassing commitment to competition for nine innings yielded to friendships outside of the confines of games.
“He brings so much to this game and outside of this game,” said Tigers star Miguel Cabrera. “We want to follow his steps. We want to be like Big Papi.”
Ortiz, of course, is a Red Sox icon. Over 14 years from 2003-16, he smashed 500 homers — 483 in the regular season, 17 in the playoffs — and made 10 All-Star teams, the on-field accomplishments that served as the primary basis for his election to the Hall of Fame.
In Boston, his status transcended those accomplishments. He emerged as the central narrative-shattering player in the transformation of the Red Sox from a beleaguered franchise that failed to win a championship over 86 years to one that has claimed four titles in the 21st century — three with Ortiz in the middle of the lineup. He became the voice of the region in the wake of the Marathon bombings in 2013. A powerful case can be made that he is the most significant Red Sox player of all time.
Yet his imprint as a player was not limited to Boston or the Red Sox. The legendary slugger emerged as a source of counsel to the entire sport. He’d invariably arrived at Fenway on the phone with someone in the game, anyone from a minor leaguer to commissioner Rob Manfred, and that reach has not receded in retirement.
“He’s the kind of player that makes our game what it is,” said Manfred.
That has always been the case, dating to long before Ortiz emerged as a superstar. Albert Pujols recalled tracking Ortiz when he was a minor leaguer in the Mariners system in the 1990s, and has remained close to him for more than a quarter-century.
“Back in the Dominican Republic, I got in a lot of trouble with my parents because I used to skip school to go watch David Ortiz when nobody knew David Ortiz. He used to play for Seattle and [the Mariners’ Dominican academy] was in my backyard,” said Pujols. “David was like a big brother to me.
“Just forget about the numbers and forget what he did in the field. To me, it’s what he does off the field with his foundation and the impact that he has made and the life changes that he has made for others. That’s what I admire the most about David Ortiz,” Pujols continued. “I can pick up my phone and call him any time; he can pick his and call me any time, and every time we talk, he’s just full of wisdom.”
To Ortiz, that responsibility as a mentor, as a person who answers a call from a younger player, is precious. So it’s somewhat surprising that he feels the current generation of players is not taking full advantage of it.
“In my day, when I was trying to figure things out, I would love to have a friend like David Ortiz who would share his thoughts about the game, about what he knows, about what he learned,” said Ortiz. “I’m a guy that, I’m open always. [But] it’s not like you receive many phone calls from players trying to figure things out. So, it’s kind of like, OK, I did my thing, you do yours.”
Yet while Ortiz expresses some befuddlement about the infrequency with which current players contact him, players express amazement about how much he does remain engaged with them even after his playing days.
Ortiz remains a brother to contemporaries from his playing days, a father figure for those who arrived in the big leagues late in Ortiz’s career or since his retirement, and sometimes both.
“Large father, large brother; he wears all the hats for me,” said Mookie Betts, who estimated that he still talks to Ortiz at least once a month.
One after another, All-Stars testified to the considerable role that Ortiz has played and continues to play in their careers and lives. Rafael Devers, who met Ortiz early in his time in the Red Sox organization, said that Ortiz regularly checks in about his family life.
Nationals star Juan Soto — whose debut came in 2018, two years after Ortiz retired — said that when he got off to a slow start this season, Ortiz was on the phone talking him through his uncharacteristic struggles. Mariners rookie star Julio Rodriguez said that he met Ortiz this past winter in the Dominican — before Rodriguez had made his big league debut — with the legend offering encouragement.
“Big Papi is Big Papi. He’s not changed one bit since he’s retired,” said Padres third baseman Manny Machado. “He’s the same guy. Those are the people you want to be around.”
Manfred is similarly grateful for the input offered by Ortiz on a variety of issues.
“After I was elected [commissioner], one of the first players that I formed a relationship with where I really could say he was a friend was David,” said Manfred. “He was really helpful to me, always willing to give you honest advice, and that’s the best kind of friend you can have.”
While Ortiz maintains plenty of informal involvement in the game through personal relationships, he’s also maintained more official roles within it. Many stars who have spent decades in the game retreat, at least for a time, once they’ve retired. Ortiz has created his own sort of barnstorming tour in his post-playing career.
“He’s harder to find than the president,” joked Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “You look and he’s in Boston one day and then he’s in LA the other one, then he’s with [music star] Bad Bunny playing softball.”
Ortiz never fully stepped away from the game. He accepted a role immediately after his retirement as a Red Sox special assistant, serving as an ambassador for the franchise, talking to big league and minor league players, while making community appearances and meeting with corporate partners on behalf of the Sox.
“He’s just always there and willing to help. He loves the Boston Red Sox, he loves this region, this fan base. And he’s, he’s always available,” said Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, who recalled evidence of that notion when visiting Ortiz in the hospital when he was recovering from surgeries after he’d been shot in the Dominican Republic. “He was just locked in on every single game, every pitch. And I was struck that, you know, it’s not your normal retired baseball player.”
And in retirement, Ortiz has remained a face of the sport, through his work as a Fox Sports analyst and his many advertising engagements. The opportunities exceed his available time.
“I’ve gotten to the point I have to say no sometimes,” said Ortiz. “[But] when you’re hot, you’re hot. You’ve got to take advantage of what is happening right now.”
Ortiz’s experiences, and wealth, could create a number of opportunities moving forward. Kennedy suggested that Ortiz could join an ownership group, become more involved with the Red Sox front office, or take a role working with the league office about the direction of the game.
“He’s good at everything,” said Kennedy. “This guy could literally do whatever he wants to do.”
For now, Ortiz seems energized by his array of responsibilities — someone whose retirement as a player did not signal his fade from the game. His induction into the Hall of Fame represents, in many ways, the final defining emblem of his playing career, but his life in baseball continues to evolve.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 8:11:15 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 56m #RedSox threw a party for David Ortiz in Cooperstown last night. Guests included Pedro Martinez, Dustin Pedroia. Johnny Damon, Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, Dennis Eckersley, Mariano Rivera, Vlad Guerrero, Sox ass’t GMs Raquel Ferreira and Eddie Romero.
Ortiz thanked the crowd and Sam Kennedy represented the team in thanking Ortiz. Induction ceremony is this afternoon. Been a great few days here.
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 24, 2022 8:42:02 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 56m #RedSox threw a party for David Ortiz in Cooperstown last night. Guests included Pedro Martinez, Dustin Pedroia. Johnny Damon, Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, Dennis Eckersley, Mariano Rivera, Vlad Guerrero, Sox ass’t GMs Raquel Ferreira and Eddie Romero.
Ortiz thanked the crowd and Sam Kennedy represented the team in thanking Ortiz. Induction ceremony is this afternoon. Been a great few days here. Good stuff on Ortiz here. I enjoyed reading the articles and reminiscing. This is some much needed good vibes regarding Red Sox baseball.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 11:32:16 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 5m Based on my very unscientific survey over about 15 minutes, 6 out of 10 people walking into the induction site are wearing Red Sox and/or David Ortiz shirts, hats, etc.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 12:58:36 GMT -5
Ortiz looks very spiffy today they are speeding up parts of the ceremony as worry of bad weather later right on David to speak last
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 13:31:08 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 50m Hall of Fame induction day is here for David Ortiz.
What he gave #RedSox fans above anything else? Confidence. Clutch situation, a moment of real importance -- Ortiz would make it happen.
As we were reminded after the marathon bombings, that wasn't limited to the batter's box.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 14:45:02 GMT -5
Some wonderful speeches today and up strolls Big Papi for his. Right on
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 19:05:25 GMT -5
theScore @thescore · 3h Big Papi, welcome to Cooperstown
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 19:13:35 GMT -5
David Ortiz’s Hall of Fame plaque calls him ‘powerhouse left-handed slugger who was at his best in the clutch’ for Red Sox
Published: Jul. 24, 2022, 5:16 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- David Ortiz was immortalized in Cooperstown on Sunday as he was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. As part of the ceremony, his Hall of Fame plaque was revealed.
Ortiz, unsurprisingly, is donning a Red Sox cap on his plaque, becoming the first player to enter the Hall with Boston’s logo since Pedro Martinez in 2015. The rest of the inscription on the plaque pays tribute to Ortiz’s career and, especially, his postseason heroics.
″Powerhouse left-handed slugger who was at his best in the clutch, with legendary postseason performances that took the Red Sox from championship drought to three World Series titles in 10-year stretch,” the plaque reads. “Eight times named top designated hitter while earning 10 All-Star selections. Drove in 100-or-more runs in 10 seasons, leading American League three times. His 541 home runs, 632 doubles and 1,768 RBI are all-time highs among designated hitters. Extra innings walk-off hits in Games 4 and 5 of 2004 A.L.C.S netted series M.V.P. honors. Set A.L. record for batting average (.688) en route to 2013 World Series M.V.P.“
The plaque will be installed in the gallery at the Hall of Fame on Sunday evening.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 24, 2022 19:14:55 GMT -5
David Ortiz ‘cried a lot’ putting together Hall of Fame speech, in which he tried to tell his story: ‘I don’t have to make this up’
Updated: Jul. 24, 2022, 6:01 p.m.|Published: Jul. 24, 2022, 6:01 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- As Red Sox legend David Ortiz prepared for his Hall of Fame induction in recent weeks, those around him kept asking about what he’d say in his speech. From his agent, Fern Cuza, to family members and friends, everyone in Ortiz’s circle was curious about how he’d address the crowd at Clark Sports Center on Sunday afternoon.
Ortiz didn’t worry as much about the writing process as those around him. Instead of trying to go over-the-top or playing the role of the animated TV analyst that graces FOX broadcasts, Ortiz decided to speak from the heart. He was relaxed, reserved and spoke from the heart over the course of a 19-minute speech to finish off the Hall’s festivities on a day seven inductees were honored.
“I was like, ‘What is it I’m going to have to say or talk about?’ Everybody was, ‘Are you ready for the speech? Are you ready for the speech?’ I’m like, people, what I’m going to talk about is what I know,” Ortiz said. “Relax.
“At some point, I was a little confused like, I’m going to talk about my story,” he added. “I’m going to thank people who have been involved in my career. My family, a couple of friends. I don’t have to make this up. It’s already there.”
Ortiz successfully held off tears during his speech but said he came close to choking up when he talked about his late mother, Angela Rosa Arias, who died in a car crash in January 2002 at age 46. His father, Leo, was in attendance Sunday. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
“I thought it was going to get worse, to be honest with you,” Ortiz said. “I basically started getting a little emotional when I started talking about my mom and my pop, who was out there. I guess I repeated it so many times that the emotion got under control a little bit. I always get emotional when I talk about my mom and dad.”
Ortiz added that the writing process was much more emotional than actually delivering the speech. Going last of the seven inductees, including living honorees Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva, eased Ortiz’s nerves. Ortiz was somewhat surprised he was able to keep his emotions in check after repeatedly breaking down while putting it together.
“Going through this speech and putting it together, I think I cried a lot to be honest with you,” he said. “Even this morning, I was crying every time I touched base about my mom. I guess you just get to the point where repeating things over and over and over, it kind of cured a little.”
Ortiz, who had never before attended a Hall of Fame induction, sat in awe along the 50 or so fellow Hall of Famers who were on stage for the ceremony. After watching on TV for many years, Ortiz couldn’t believe he was sitting among so many “superstars.” In all, he thought his speech went well.
“I’m always outspoken, I’m always saying what I feel like saying. I’m always joking around,” Ortiz said. “I’m always being me. But you have the whole planet, the whole nation watching you. You want to deliver a message, especially the way life is going nowadays, you want to deliver a positive message to the world.”
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