Boston Red Sox to retire Ortiz’s number 34 at Fenway Park
Washington (June 23, 2017) - Senator Edward J. Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Reps. Richard Neal, James P. McGovern, Michael E. Capuano, Stephen F. Lynch, Niki Tsongas, William Keating, Katherine Clark, and Joseph P. Kennedy III introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives honoring David Ortiz for his phenomenal career and his historic contributions to the sport of baseball, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Red Sox Nation. The Boston Red Sox will retire Ortiz’s number today at Fenway Park in Boston.
“David Ortiz’s life and career on and off the baseball diamond embody the American dream,” said Senator Markey. “David Ortiz helped reverse the curse, lift our collective spirits, and gave the people of Massachusetts hope when we needed it most. He wore the now legendary number 34 and will always be number one in the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere.”
“David Ortiz is a New England legend,” said Congressman Moulton. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Big Papi as his number is retired. He has made great contributions to our community with his talent, service to others, and magnetic personality. Thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do for us, Big Papi!”
“David Ortiz has grit and he has heart,” said Senator Warren. “He brought three World Series trophies home to Boston, rallied our city to be ‘Boston Strong,’ and cares deeply for Red Sox Nation. Today, Boston says ‘Thank you, Big Papi!’ ”
“A grateful Red Sox nation will celebrate the career of David Ortiz tonight when his iconic number 34 is retired at Fenway Park,” said Congressman Neal. “Big Papi brought the World Series home to New England a remarkable three times during his time in Boston. We pay tribute to his accomplishments and look forward to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.”
“In Massachusetts and across New England, David Ortiz will always be loved and remembered for ending the curse and bringing the World Series trophy back to Fenway where it belongs,” said Congressman McGovern. “David Ortiz lifted our spirits and embodies all that is great about Massachusetts. A true hall of famer.”
“Once in a while, you come across an individual who is truly larger than life,” said Congressman Capuano. “David Ortiz is such a person. From his numerous epic and timely home runs to his philanthropic and community commitments, David Ortiz will always hold a special place in our community.”
“David Ortiz is a beloved member of Red Sox Nation,” said Congressman Lynch. “His love for the Boston Red Sox, the City of Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was evident each time he stepped up to the plate. From his dedication to the local community, inspiring us all in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings and continually giving back with his David Ortiz Children’s Fund, to his countless, game-changing hits that brought the Red Sox multiple Word Series wins, I am so proud that Big Papi’s name will be forever emblazoned on the streets of Boston as he continues to inspire countless young people both in Massachusetts as well as in the Dominican Republic. Before we proudly retire his number today at Fenway, I want him to know that we are happy to delay this if he wants to come back for one more year.”
“David Ortiz will always be Boston’s greatest clutch performer both on and off the field,” said Congressman Keating.
“Congratulations to Big Papi for having his #34 retired by the Red Sox,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “A well-deserved honor for someone who has given so much to the people of Boston and New England. While he may be retired, he’ll always be a Red Sox - 34ever.”
“In addition to being one of the greatest players to ever wear a Red Sox uniform, David Ortiz became the heart and soul of Red Sox Nation,” said Congresswoman Clark. “He taught us that no matter how long the odds, the scrappy underdogs can achieve the impossible, and that if we stand together as a team, we are always Boston Strong.”
“Even in a state with no shortage of sports legends, David Ortiz looms larger than life,” said Congressman Kennedy. “However, I remain reluctant to sign onto this resolution because I just can’t accept that he won’t put the uniform back on next month.”
Other New England senators co-sponsoring the legislation include Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
Other New England representatives co-sponsoring the resolution include Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), John Larson CT-01), Carol Shea Porter (NH-01), Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Jim Langevin (RI-02), and Peter Welch (VT-01).
Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
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