Red Sox Honor David Ortiz In Final Spring Game In Fort Myers
BOSTON (CBS) -- The David Ortiz farewell tour began Monday, as the Red Sox honored the slugger ahead of his final home Spring Training game in Fort Myers, Florida.
Ortiz's No. 34 was painted on the grass on both baselines at JetBlue Park, and he was presented with some gifts ahead of Boston's exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Ortiz now has a road named after him down in Fort Myers, called David Ortiz Way, and was presented with seats from each of the three ballparks he played in down in Fort Myers. Ortiz has spent every Spring Training of his MLB career in Fort Myers, Florida with both the Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
Gift #1: @davidortiz now has his own road at @FenwaySouth! David Ortiz Way! #ThanksPapi ???? pic.twitter.com/0yIRC5tamL
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Gift #2: A seat from each park @davidortiz played in during his 20 years in Fort Myers! #ThanksPapi ???? pic.twitter.com/FcNfp9nfMm
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
We're ready to say #ThanksPapi at @FenwaySouth! 3️⃣4️⃣ ???????? pic.twitter.com/QOhD72Qeeh
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Ortiz, not really a big fan of Spring Training, is probably happy his spring days are coming to an end.
When Ortiz was finished for the day, he was honored with a ride home in his own brand-new golf cart.
That's one way to exit a game. #ThanksPapi ???? pic.twitter.com/NwbfpwUuwS
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Ortiz just received a customized golf cart and was driven off the field in it. Roof painted like a DR flag. pic.twitter.com/VLZ8zJuoMZ
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 28, 2016
.@BrockStar4Lyf going for a joy ride! pic.twitter.com/iicPf4coLE
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
Ortiz looked a bit sheepish as the cart went around the field and excited in CF. No Orioles applauded.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 28, 2016
"It's kind of fast so I'm sending it to the Dominican so I can drive it."
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 28, 2016
-@davidortiz pic.twitter.com/JdBtNxctno
This is likely just the tip of the iceberg for the ceremonies that will be held for the Red Sox DH, who is set to retire at the end of what will be his 20th season in baseball. Expect many more farewells -- and obscure gifts -- throughout the season as Ortiz makes his way through visiting cities one final time, with a grand celebration of his career likely coming before, during and after his final regular season game at Fenway Park on October 2.