COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (WHDH) – Former Red Sox player David Ortiz was greeted by two lucky Red Sox fans upon his arrival in Cooperstown, New York, ahead of his Hall of Fame induction Sunday.
The couple Neil, a cardiac surgeon, and Lisa, a longtime Sox superfan, won the sweepstakes to take the trip with Ortiz. Some of the $144,000 raised in the sweepstakes will go to the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, which provides support for children in the Dominican Republic and New England who are unable to afford critical cardiac care.
“We love him, we love the Red Sox,” said Neil. “Between loving Big Papi and having a charity that’s an awesome charity, it was like yeah why not, that’s a great idea.”
The Newton couple said they never thought they would win, but they’re overjoyed they did.
“And to make our children jealous,” said Lisa. “Priceless!” Neil said, laughing.
They were also ready to ask him some personal questions. “His favorite food to cook. We’re going to swap recipes in the flight,” said the couple.
Ortiz told 7NEWS that the highlight of his trip will be hanging his name among the best in baseball.
“It’s something very unique and special,” said Ortiz, “and like I always say, it’s an honor. You finally receive the call, it’s amazing.”
Ortiz’s speech for Sunday isn’t set yet, but he told 7NEWS he already knows one of the first thank-yous in order: the City of Boston.
“There are so many things in my career that I’m proud of, but playing in Boston is one thing that made me very proud because Boston embraced me and supported me, that’s something I’ll never forget about,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz has accomplished much throughout his Hall of Fame career and he’s set to take his place with the game’s greats in Cooperstown on Sunday.
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