Former Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz made a surprise appearance on Monday, 9 September 2019, in the evening at Fenway Park. He threw the ceremonial first pitch before the team’s series finale against the New York Yankees to a standing ovation. His former Red Sox catcher, Jason Varitek, received the pitch.
Following the pitch, Ortiz addressed the Fenway crowd:
“I want to thank God for giving me a second opportunity in my life to be here with all of you,” Ortiz said. “I want to thank the Red Sox, my real family. They always have been there for me, supporting me. … They were the first ones there supporting me.”
The 43-year old retired baseball player is recovering from being shot in the back by a gunman at an eastern Santo Domingo night club on 9 June. Ortiz spent seven weeks in a hospital and has undergone three surgeries.
Ortiz, also known as “Big Papi,” was a 10-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion with the Red Sox.
11 September 2019