David Ortiz: All Of Red Sox Nation Will Miss Former Mayor Tom Menino

The Boston sports world remembered former Mayor Thomas Menino, who died Thursday after a long battle with cancer, and the news hit hard for Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.

“I was very sad to hear about the passing of Mayor Menino,” Ortiz told NESN. “He was a good man and a great friend who did a lot of unbelievable things for our city. I am thinking of his family during this difficult time, and I know I speak for all of Red Sox Nation when I say we’ll miss you.”

Ortiz considered Menino — who was Boston’s mayor for 11 of the slugger’s 12 seasons to date with the Red Sox — to be a good friend. When Menino retired last year, Ortiz said the two had grown close through years of charity work and events in the city.

Ortiz also tweeted a photo of the two, the end of which translates to “may you rest in peace.”

[tweet https://twitter.com/davidortiz/status/527870766290055168 align=’center’%5D

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images