BOSTON — Cue the mushy love song.
David Ortiz and David Price had their differences as American League East foes. But with Price joining the Boston Red Sox on a seven-year contract, both sides are willing to let bygones be bygones.
“Big Papi and myself, we’re both competitors,” Price said Friday at his introductory press conference at Fenway Park. “What he’s done for this organization and the game of baseball is extremely special, and I’m ready to be one of his really good friends. I watched him from across the field and always get to see him on TV and stuff like that, and the guy’s a competitor and that’s what I am, too.”
The feud between Ortiz and Price began during the 2013 AL Division Series, when Big Papi launched two home runs off the left-hander in Boston’s Game 2 win. Price took exception to Ortiz admiring his second blast.
Things boiled over in 2014, when Price drilled the slugger in their first showdown since the 2013 postseason. Ortiz declared “war” after the game and suggested Price “bring the gloves” next time they met.
Price even said at the 2015 All-Star Game that Ortiz wasn’t the hitter he once was.
Well, gloves never entered the equation. And it’s unlikely they ever will. Because if we’re to believe Price and Ortiz, both players will live happily ever after as Red Sox teammates.
It won’t be the first time Price has squashed a beef with a former enemy.
“When I got traded to Detroit (in 2014), I could not stand (Tigers second baseman) Ian Kinsler,” Price said. “We both absolutely hated each other, and now we’re both one of each other’s favorite teammates and favorite players. And that’s the game of baseball and life, and I’m definitely open to cheering for Big Papi whenever he’s at bat. I think we’re going to have a good relationship.”
All’s fair in love and war, right?
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BDCSox
