It’s hard to explain just how much David Ortiz has meant to the Boston Red Sox. Just ask the club’s ownership.
The Red Sox designated hitter confirmed Wednesday he’ll be retiring after the 2016 season, and the Red Sox owners reflected on the man who helped bring the team three World Series after an 86-year drought.
“It is difficult to adequately convey what David Ortiz has meant to the Boston Red Sox,” principal owner John Henry said. “For his teammates, he has been the one constant force underpinning what it means to play for this organization and making it fun.
“For the fans, he has been the one consistent force behind three world championships, lifting all of us on his broad shoulders exactly when we needed it. For the community, he has been the hero providing leadership off the field in ways that consistently make a difference — often completely unseen. And for those of us who have had the honor of knowing him all these years, he has been exactly what you hope to see in a man who has been the face of this organization.”
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner stressed the importance Ortiz has in the Boston community.
“For every home run, clutch hit, or World Series trophy, there was David Ortiz, just as often, out of sight in the tunnel behind the Red Sox dugout, meeting a child before the game,” Werner said. “His hug, his smile, and his relentless encouragement have comforted and inspired so many children. They understand the broader dimension that merits our calling him a hero. … I don’t know that we will be able to thank him in a way that is commensurate with his contributions, but we will relish the opportunity to try.”
And despite amazing stats like his 503 career home runs and .297 postseason average, the nine-time All-Star means more to the Red Sox than just numbers and championships.
“David Ortiz transcends numbers, home runs, and wins,” Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said. “He is one of the game’s greatest players — and greatest champions — and he has been there for the city of Boston through thick and thin every step of the way. He has been a pillar of our team and a pillar of our city.
“We look forward to a final season of raising our heads to the sky looking for his long ball, and watching him point to the heavens when he arrives home one final time.”
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
