Thursday night Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was recognized for his past and questioned about his future. Before game two of the World Series, Ortiz was honored as the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award winner. But, soon after Ortiz’s presentation, talk turned to what the future held for the free agent-to-be.
The Clemente Award is given to the player who represents Major League Baseball through positive contributions on and specifically off the field. In 2005, the slugger founded the David Ortiz Children’s fund to help raise money and awareness for pediatric care for those in need in the United States and his native Dominican Republic. Last year, the organization raised $1.5 million that primarily went towards lifesaving heart operations.
Ortiz’s teammate Tim Wakefield won the award last season, and Big Papi was greeted by 2008 winner and fellow Dominican native Albert Pujols after the presentation.
But the media could only focus on heart warming stories for so long.
Reporters quickly turned their attention to the many questions surrounding Ortiz’s club, the Boston Red Sox. Ortiz was questioned about Terry Francona’s exit as well as the beer and chicken incidents. The slugger gracefully sidestepped the inquiries, cracking jokes and stating at one point that he had “no more comment on that”.
Ortiz did take a moment to clear the air regarding rumors that have him leaving Boston in favor of the Big Apple. When asked about returning to the Red Sox, Ortiz said that of course he “would like to come back”. Ortiz understands that the organization is trying to replace management and front office pieces and will focus on players once those issues are handled.
Big Papi also wanted to be clear that he “never said” he “would sign with the Yankees”. When asked if he would play for New York, Ortiz simply said he “would think about it”, never confirming he would actually be willing to don the pinstripes. Ortiz ended the discussion by making the statement that he’s “still a Red Sox”.
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