Red Sox Honored At White House, Ortiz Takes Selfie With Obama
BOSTON (CBS) -- David Ortiz is a three-time World Series champ, a World Series MVP, and one of the most feared hitters in Boston sports history.
But now, he truly has everything after taking a "selfie" with President Barack Obama.
Ortiz and his fellow 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox were honored at the White House Tuesday morning, and after the president was done singing the team's praises Big Papi presented the commander-in-chief with a Red Sox jersey. When the president turned around to take a group photo, Ortiz jumped in to take this selfie of the two.
"Love this guy," Obama said of Papi. "Even a White Sox fan can appreciate these guys."
"Yeah baby!" Ortiz replied to reporters asking about the selfie. "You don't get that opportunity every day to chat with the president and take a selfie."
The Red Sox entered the South Lawn with Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" playing in the background. Many of them wore their best suits, and then there was Jonny Gomes, who sported a Stars and Stripes sports jacket for the visit.
The team also presented President Obama with a Stars and Stripes jacket of his own.
And though the 2013 champs are remembered as the "Band of Bearded Brothers," many of the Red Sox shaved their beards following the title win. Obama made sure to note that when he addressed the team.
"I thought I invited the Red Sox here today, but there must be a mistake because I don't recognize all these clean-shaven guys," the president joked. "Beards or no beards, it's an honor to welcome the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox to the White House."
While the president and the Sox had plenty of fun, Obama also praised the team for helping Boston heal following the Boston Marathon Bombings last April.
"I think for the nation as a whole, there was something particular about this squad that was special. Not because they went from worst to first, but they symbolized the grit and resilience of one of America's iconic cities during one of its toughest moments," said Obama.
"Boston stood resolute, unbowed and unbroken, and as the smoke cleared we gained inspiration from the injured; those who are running and walking again, [Adrianne Haslet-Davis] who returned to dancing with a prosthetic leg. We took heart from the first responders who put their lives at risk and bravely ran towards dangers, people like officer Dic Donohue of the Transit Police who was shot and nearly killed that night. After months of rehab, Richard is walking again, and we're proud to have him here today.
"Today our hearts are in Boston again; we have the families of firefighters Michael Kennedy and Edward Walsh, who gave their lives protecting others from a massive blaze last week. Their sacrifice like the sacrifice made last year remind us of the selfless courage of everyday heroes who put their lives on the line to help others. The first responders, the brave citizens and resolute victims of these tragedies, they're all Boston strong.
Watch: Raw Video Obama Welcomes Red Sox
"Ultimately this is what this team played for last season, and every man behind me did his part to keep the team rolling," Obama said of the Red Sox.
"Sometimes sports seems like its trivial and just entertainment, but sometimes you're reminded that sports represents something else. It has the power to bring people together like almost nothing can, and all of you should be very proud of what you accomplished. I know your fans are, and I'm grateful to you too."
Following their trip to the White House, the Red Sox will visit with wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C..
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