Aly Raisman is no stranger to Fenway Park. David Ortiz wants to keep it that way.
The Boston Red Sox legend surprised the Olympic gymnastics gold medalist with a poignant message Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park during the pregame ceremony marking the team’s home opener. Just before Ortiz and Raisman ended the festivities by declaring “play ball,” he tore off his Red Sox jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing the slogan “Girl Power.”
Raisman laughed and hugged Ortiz in response.
He then told her and the Fenway Park crowd “this (Boston) is your city, too.”
Her profile reached new heights this year during the trial of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who sexually abused her and many others over his years with the federation and at Michigan State University. Raisman’s powerful testimony at his sentencing has made her a symbol of courage and brought increased awareness to the issue.
“(Raisman) won even more admiration and respect with her inspiring demonstrations of courage this winter,” the Fenway Park public address announcer told the crowd, per CBS Boston.
Girl power is alive and well at Fenway Park.
