It’s a great weekend for Red Sox fans. Our undeniable favorite, David Ortiz, is being inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. As Big Papi celebrates this very deserved honor and accolade, let’s take a look back at some of the our favorite unforgettable moments that No. 34 gave us over the past quarter century.
"This Is Our City" Speech
David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox addresses the crowd during the pregame ceremony. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
In a time where Boston needed hope and a voice, Big Papi was that voice. Days after the Marathon Bombings, David Ortiz took the field before the Sox game and spoke words that united us like never before.
Naming of the 'David Ortiz Bridge'
Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker holds up the sign that will soon be on the Brookline Avenue bridge near Fenway Park, named the ‘Big Papi’ David Ortiz Bridge during an honorary retirement ceremony before David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox plays the final regular season game of his career. (Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
In 2016, the bridge next to Fenway Park that crosses the Pike was re-named as the ‘David Ortiz Bridge’ to honor Big Papi. Then-Senate President Stanley Rosenberg called Ortiz the “pride of Boston” for both his extraordinary work inside the park, along with his gracious dedication to the surrounding communities and charities.
.@davidortiz is now forever a part of the Fenway neighborhood. #ThanksPapi pic.twitter.com/2DqZV1GFpX
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 2, 2016Oh So Many Playoff Power-Hits
David Ortiz hits a game-tying grand slam during Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 13, 2013. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
The magic of Red Sox Baseball was re-ignited in 2004 with a magical post-season run, and center-stage was No. 34 himself. There are so many memorable moments over the number of playoff runs that Big Papi was a part of, but our favorite definitely has to be this game-tying grand slam from 2013’s ALCS at Fenway. Not only because of the hit, but because of the police officer’s reaction from the bullpens. It was a year where Boston needed a victory, and David was essential in bringing it home.
Goodbye.
David Ortiz tips his cap to the Fenway fans. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
There’s no explanation needed. 25 thousand fans stayed in the ballpark after what turned out to be Big Papi’s final home game to say goodbye. It was a moment we will never forget.
Congratulations, Papi!
We can’t thank you enough for every big of joy, hope, fun, excitement, and unity that you gave us over the past incredible quarter-century. Congratulations on your induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A New York Yankees fan puts his sports differences aside to congratulate Big Papi at his induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
