Moments after David Ortiz’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame became official, the Red Sox ownership group sent out statements congratulating the team’s iconic slugger:
Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry:
“There are countless reasons why David is deserving of this honor, beginning with three World Series trophies that we would not have without his heroics on the field and his leadership. He was critical in transforming the narrative around the Red Sox from one of curses and superstitions to tales of clutch moments and a collection of championships. David’s most meaningful and profound contributions, however, are not fully reflected in trophies and awards, but rather on the faces of every player held in David’s bear-hug embrace over the years, by our memories of stirring dugout rally speeches, and with his fist raised in solidarity with our community during its darkest hour. For the past two decades, David has meant the world to us and we are proud that Cooperstown will be another stop on his supremely impactful journey. Congratulations, David.”
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner:
“It has been a privilege to watch David’s storybook career in Boston for fourteen years and three World Series Championships. This honor only confirms what many of us at the Red Sox and throughout New England already knew: that he is not only one of our greatest players, but one of baseball’s greatest players. Even now, as the sole BBWAA ballot inductee, he continues to stand out in the same way he did throughout his playing career. David, you deserve to take your rightful place alongside the Hall of Fame’s legends. Congratulations on this special recognition.”
Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy:
“David Ortiz is the most important player to ever wear a Red Sox uniform. He came to Boston in relative anonymity and with his captivating personality and his formidable bat he shattered expectations and paved the franchise’s future in championships and Duck Boat parades. The record numbers he put up and the dedication he showed in meticulously honing his craft is deserving of first ballot entry into the Hall of Fame. David, Boston and Fenway Park will always be your home but we will make an exception for Cooperstown. Congratulations, my friend. Enjoy your moment.”
From the team’s official Twitter account the Red Sox posted a picture of a signed ball by Ortiz with “HOF 22
Red Sox manager Alex Cora posted a picture of himself with Ortiz on Instagram with the message:
“Proud of you @davidortiz, sorry,#HallOfFamer David Ortiz.💪🏽👊🏽🙌🏾”
Cora then tweeted:
“David #HallOfFamer.That’s sounds great! Congratulations @davidortiz.”
Pedro Martinez who was with Ortiz when he learned he’d been elected, congratulated his friend in two languages on Twitter:
“Congratulations Big Papi! Welcome to Cooperstown! It’s an honor to have been your teammate and to be your brother! I’m so proud of you!
Felicidades Big Papi! Bienvenido a Cooperstown! Es un honor haber sido tu compañero de equipo y ser tu hermano. Felicidades compa! Que orgullo!”
Manny Ramirez saluted him in Spanish on Instagram:
“Congratulations mi brother @davidortiz con su ascenso merecido al Salón de los inmortales del béisbol de las Grandes Ligas, nos sentimos más que honrados, gran orgullo y regocijo para todos los dominicanos 🙏🏻 que bendición fue los años que jugamos Juntos , fueron tiempos inolvidables! @God bless you @davidortiz”
Which translates to:
“Congratulations my brother for your well-deserved induction to the Hall of Fame of Major League Baseball. We are more than honored with great pride and joy for all Dominicans. The years we played together were a blessing. Oh, those were unforgettable times. God bless you.”
Luis Tiant tweeted:
“Felicidades @davidortiz what a proud moment for you and your family! You are like a son to me, and have always treated me and my family with so much love and respect @baseballhall #redsox #redsoxnation @redsox #BigPapi
Dennis Eckersley tweeted: “Congratulations @davidortiz! Welcome to the Hall of Fame! Great career. @RedSox @baseballhall #redsox #hof”
Mike Lowell, Ortiz’s teammate on the 2007 World Series-winning team, tweeted:
“Congrats @davidortiz. Loved having a great seat to your show!@RedSox”
Curt Schilling, Ortiz’s former teammate who wasn’t elected, tweeted:
“Every year the conversation revolves around who didn’t get in. Like all star voting, who got cheated. I say it every year and especially this year, focus on who did get in. @davidortiz deserved a 1st ballot induction! Congratulations my friend you earned it! #bigpapiHoF”
Barry Bonds, who also was left out, posted on Instagram: “CONGRATULATIONS Big Papi on your induction into the Hall of Fame! Well deserved…I love you my brother. ♥️ @davidortiz”
Ad Choices