David Ortiz has received his fair share of honors for his illustrious baseball career. He's a 10-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, among dozens of other accolades.
On May 13, Big Papi was honored in the most unexpected place — New York.
The New York State Senate passed a resolution to honor the Yankee killer's contributions to baseball. New York state senator Luis Sepúlveda, who represents a district in the Bronx — the home of Yankee Stadium, of all places — introduced the motion to honor the legend "for his contributions to baseball, in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 World Series."
Yes, the government of the state of New York acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the end of the Curse of the Bambino. The resolution acknowledges Ortiz's role as an icon of the game of baseball, but also as a "fierce competitor" to the Yankees and their fans, alike.
He is also credited for the charitable work he's done to "solidify his connection to New York State," such as participation in the Maestro Cares Gala, the Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational, and the CC Sabathia PitCCh In Foundation Charity Softball Game. Much of his philanthropic work goes to the aid of inner-city youth in the United States and Latin America.
Today in Albany, the New York State Senate will honor a man who can only be described as an Empire State folk hero:
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) May 13, 2024
...
...
...
David Ortiz pic.twitter.com/LWAjtKDaAF
Red Sox legend David Ortiz honored with resolution from New York state government
Ortiz isn't the only former Red Sox player who's been formally recognized by the government of New York. Boston legend Pedro Martinez was also honored in 2015 as part of Dominican Heritage Week celebrations. Unlike Ortiz, Martinez played for a New York ball club, but he's best known for his stint with the Red Sox.
Monday was quite the interesting day inside the New York State Capitol building.
— CBS 6 Albany - WRGB (@CBS6Albany) May 14, 2024
Not who you'd expect New York to welcome but Senator Luis Sepulveda from the Bronx honored the "Yankee killer" himself, David Ortiz.
MORE: https://t.co/zquRxUGpnX pic.twitter.com/H2wYsCDQPT
It's hard to believe the state that the Yankees represent like Ortiz or Martinez enough to want to honor them in enemy territory, but it's undeniable that the two helped make the New York-Boston rivalry great.
Anything that will remind Yankees fans of Big Papi's clutchest moments is a cause for celebration in the eyes of Red Sox Nation. Ortiz's baseball and life achievements making their way into New York state law is a great way to stick it to them while giving a legend credit where it's due.