Tom Brady hopes David Ortiz’s Fenway Park farewell was more of a “see you later.”
Speaking Wednesday in a conference call with Cincinnati media, the New England Patriots quarterback heaped praise on the retiring Boston Red Sox slugger and expressed optimism that, just maybe, Big Papi will reconsider retirement.
“Well, he had a great career and he had a great season,” Brady said. “He’s been a great player for the league and for the city. I mean, he’s meant so much — been a part of three championship teams here. Baseball is huge here in Boston and really in New England. I mean, they love the Red Sox.
“It’s obviously sad to see him retire. I hope he comes back and keeps playing, because he had a great year, but everyone’s going to make the choice whenever it feels right.”
Ortiz, who will turn 41 next month, led the majors in RBIs, doubles, slugging percentage and OPS this season while also ranking in the top 10 in home runs (tied for eighth), walks (eighth), batting average (sixth) and on-base percentage (third). It was, without question, one of the greatest closing campaigns in major league history.
His Red Sox career came to an end Monday when the Cleveland Indians swept the Sox in the American League Division Series, leaving the 39-year-old Brady as the unrivaled king of current Boston sports figures.
Brady and the Patriots host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
