VIDEO: Never Forget David Ortiz's Inspiring Speech to Rally Boston in 2013 After Marathon Bombing
By Sean Facey
The sports world came perilously close to losing one of its most beloved stars when Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz was shot in his native Dominican Republic Sunday night. As he recovers, it's important to remember the iconic speech Ortiz gave to the Fenway Faithful and the city of Boston following the 2013 Marathon Bombing, as it rallies the troops in the way only Ortiz can. We need that now once more.
The speech was the moment that Ortiz cemented himself as a hero bigger than the game itself, for Boston, and for the nation.
He took on a larger-than-life role that day. He did more than give the fans something to cheer for. He gave them hope.
In the face of horrendous tragedy, Ortiz reminded the citizens of Boston of who they were: a resilient group of people ready to stand tall against the evils of the world.
Just watched this back and now I’m tearing up. David Ortiz is Boston. Anyone who attacks him is attacking all of us. Stay strong @davidortiz pic.twitter.com/OSfXCECALl
— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) June 10, 2019
Countless fans young and old grew to love Ortiz for his play and his character alike. He's a standout human being and is the personification of class.
Ortiz is more than an athlete in Boston. He's a hero.
This story is a prime example of how great a person @davidortiz is.
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2019
Papi has always been there for kids like Maverick through his work with the @DavidOrtizFund, and now the baseball world is there for him.
Get well soon, Papi! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/om1YXj39Lw
He was there for Boston in 2013. Now Boston is here for him. Stay strong, Big Papi.