David Ortiz and his 2013 World Series Red Sox teammates honored a decade on from famous speech
David Ortiz and his 2013 World Series champion Red Sox teammates are honored at Fenway Park – 10 years after the incredible moment Big Papi told the crowd “this is our damn town,” days after the Boston Marathon bombing
- Ortiz and some of his 2013 world champion teammates were honored on Sunday
- Big Papi inspired the Sox and the city of Boston after the 2013 bombing
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David Ortiz and most of his 2013 World Series champion teammates were honored in Boston on Sunday before the Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels.
Ten years ago, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring nearly 300.
Five days later, the Red Sox played at Fenway, where Ortiz stood in front of the mound and made a strong, defiant statement.
“This is our f****** town. And no one is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong,” Ortiz said.
The Red Sox took off after that moment and won the World Series.
David Ortiz was a fan favorite when he was brought to the field during the Red Sox-Angels game
Big Papi was joined by teammates for a pregame ceremony recognizing the ’13 champions
Ortiz knows what he said at the first game at Fenway Park after the Boston Marathon bombing had an impact — in Boston and around the world.
“You know what, 10 years later I can tell you about the impact of what I say[had],” Ortiz said Sunday. “To be honest, I’m so proud that it was conceived this way. You don’t know, sometimes someone has to press that button. I think I did.
“Right now, I can tell you, the feedback is coming from people all over the world, everywhere I go. I’ve done something good and I’m pretty proud of that.’
The newly entrenched hall of famer understands what it meant to many.
“In the end we won, right. It was a real movie,” he said. “It was a true story and we were all part of it.”
Ortiz was the MVP of the Series and helped the Red Sox win their first home title in 95 years.
Back to the present, Ortiz will be grand marshal for this year’s marathon; walk Monday morning.
The Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals – first since ’07
The Sox fan favorite gave a rousing speech in the first game after the 2013 Boston bombings