Lowell boy wins party at Fenway with Big Papi

BOSTON (WHDH) - A Lowell boy got the ultimate party at Fenway Park, complete with an appearance from his favorite Red Sox player, David Ortiz.

Before Friday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, 9-year-old Michael Santana and his grandfather got to meet Ortiz.

Michael, who was born in the Dominican Republic, was the winner of JetBlue’s “Party with Papi” contest. His mother entered him in the contest, sharing her son’s inspiring story. Michael’s family moved to the United States five years ago and their first home was in a shelter in Lawrence. Through all of this, Michael’s mother said he always managed to stay positive.

Michael and his grandfather watch every Red Sox game together and talk about Ortiz’s Dominican heritage. At Fenway, Ortiz shared batting tips with Michael and smashed open a pinata for the boy and his friends. They then had a party on the field. Michael described meeting Ortiz as “amazingness.”

Michael and his family also got a private tour of Fenway Park and watched Friday’s game from a suite.

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