David Ortiz's number was added to the pantheon of Boston Red Sox greats on Friday. And from start to finish, it was a memorable night at Fenway Park.
Ortiz's 34 was mowed into the grass at Fenway Park for the occasion, and the number now hangs between Wade Boggs' and Jackie Robinson's numbers above the field. He also threw out the first pitch ahead of Boston's game vs. the Los Angeles Angels ... and reminded everyone why he was a designated hitter and not a pitcher.
Fresh cut! 3️⃣4️⃣#34ever pic.twitter.com/vNvsYL24Hb
— #VoteRedSox (@RedSox) June 23, 2017
It's been a while, huh @davidortiz? pic.twitter.com/u48kB7FaWe
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 23, 2017
Fellow Red Sox great Pedro Martinez was also on hand for the celebration.
Former and current Red Sox players flooded Twitter with kind words for Big Papi, with almost all of them noting what a great teammate he was. The Boston Celtics even gave him a shout out.
Congrats to @RedSox legend @davidortiz on his jersey retirement tonight. An incredible player but even better Teammate. #34ever pic.twitter.com/tHuDXvm1hl
— David Ross (@D_Ross3) June 23, 2017
Thank you David! Love and respect #34ever pic.twitter.com/hQK9qUq3Cj
— Jackie Bradley Jr. (@JackieBradleyJr) June 23, 2017
In honor of @davidortiz #34Forever day.Thank you for showing how every person should live their life.Truly genuine person/teammate! #34ever pic.twitter.com/01v9pIHHgQ
— Travis Shaw (@travis_shaw21) June 23, 2017
Was only for half a season, but he helped make it really special... Congrats, Big Pun! #34ever @RedSox pic.twitter.com/RJRW6ExoGr
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) June 23, 2017
Thank you Papi for EVERYTHING. You taught me so much about this game! @davidortiz pic.twitter.com/CNjZIxi6NH
— Josh Reddick (@RealJoshReddick) June 23, 2017
Congrats @davidortiz on the retirement of #34ever. Thank you for being a great teammate and your heroics with the bat. #Pecosa #LargeFather pic.twitter.com/kHGdem133W
— Kevin Youkilis (@KYouk_2036) June 23, 2017
Congrats to one of the best teammates I've had, @davidortiz , on a phenomenal career and having his number retired at Fenway. #34
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) June 23, 2017
One of the realest individuals I've ever met and played with in the game. Congrats to you bruh! All love over here. #34 #DavidOrtiz💯 pic.twitter.com/ejbKgjg9It
— Jemile Weeks (@RealJemileWeeks) June 24, 2017
It was and will always be a honor to call @davidortiz a teammate and friend!! Thank you for all the memories #34Forever pic.twitter.com/tUBVEomEqA
— Steven Wright (@Knucklepuck23) June 24, 2017
Thank you @davidortiz #34ever pic.twitter.com/su77rlJrSm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 23, 2017
In 14 seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz racked up three World Series titles and was an All-Star 10 times. His 483 home runs with the Red Sox trail only Ted Williams for the most in franchise history.
-- Sarah Scrivens