The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame honors those players who are the best at their position, those special individuals whose skills make them unforgettable in the eyes of baseball fans everywhere. Another such player was recognized today, as first baseman David Ortiz was enshrined at his induction ceremony.
There was no mistaking the look of pride on David Ortiz‘s face as he saw his statue for the first time and the plaque recounting the many accomplishments over his 2408-game career. Ortiz played until he was 41 and had a lifetime .286 batting average with 541 home runs. Baseball’s newest Hall of Famer batted in 1768 runs and scored 1419 times.
Fans of all ages watched in appreciation as Ortiz blinked back tears. “I really don’t know what to say during such an enormous moment,” he managed to finally say, “because words cannot describe all the feelings and thoughts running through my head. The love and appreciation from all my fellow players and all the fans out there has been overwhelming, but I would not be here today without the love and support of my family. My greatest thanks goes to them.”