Beyond the Monster: Alex Verdugo meets David Ortiz for the first time before 2020 Spring Training
Beyond the Monster: Alex Verdugo meets David Ortiz for the first time before 2020 Spring Training
On Tuesday night, David Ortiz was inducted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Ortiz received 77.9% of the votes from the BBWAA and will be enshrined in Cooperstown this summer. Over the coming days and months people will tell stories of the legendary Ortiz. From his epic postseason home runs to his famous 2013 Marathon Bombing speech, Ortiz was larger than life and will forever be an icon in Boston.
One of the memories then exemplifies his larger than life figure was back in 2020.
Prior to Spring Training, the Red Sox acquired Alex Verdugo from the Dodgers as part of the Mookie Betts trade.
Verdugo said to reporters that when he finally was able to meet Ortiz, he was going to give him the biggest hug. “I’m telling you, when I see David Ortiz here I’m giving him the biggest hug. I might even tear up, man,” said Verdugo to MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
Upon meeting Verdugo, Ortiz gave high praise to the new Red Sox’ outfielder.
“Remember, you are very important to this organization,” Ortiz said, as seen in a video shared by the Red Sox. “We want you here for a long time, OK?
“Anything you got, ay, I’m open ears with you, baby,” Verdugo replied. “I watched you growing up. You were my favorite player.”
Ortiz has touched millions of fans across the globe and his impact on the game and the city of Boston runs deep. Verdugo meeting one of his favorite players and seeing the sheer excitement in his reaction shows how important Ortiz means to Red Sox Nation.
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