BOSTON – Red Sox fans chanted “Pa-pi!” after the Red Sox were eliminated from the postseason, hoping to see David Ortiz one more time. The big slugger did not disappoint the 39,000 strong at Fenway Park.
Ten minutes after the game’s end, Ortiz came back onto the field, tipping his cap to the fans and then tapping it to his heart. Ortiz was clearly emotional, wiping tears away from his eyes.
Monday night marked the end of an era for the Red Sox. Ortiz, a castoff from the Minnesota Twins, arrived in Boston as a free agent in 2003. He would go on to change the fortunes of the franchise, winning three World Series in 2004, 2007, and 2013. Big Papi became the face of the team, and is widely regarded as the best clutch hitter in Red Sox history.
Listen to a retrospective of Ortiz’s legendary career below:
Produced by Matt McCarthy
Content from the Associated Press was used in this report. Audio courtesy of: ABC, NESN, WEEI, ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS, The Players Tribune, MLB.