New York State Senate Honors Noted Yankee Killer David Ortiz For His Contributions To Baseball

Lawmakers in New York state passed a resolution Monday to honor Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz for his impact on the sport.

That has to sting for New Yorkers, who remember watching the slugger hit three home runs to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 2004 ALCS win over their hometown Yankees.

David Ortiz spent 14 seasons with the Boston Red Sox.

(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

The resolution was introduced by state senator Luis Sepúlveda, who represents a district in the Bronx — home of Yankee Stadium. The bill seeks to honor Ortiz "for his contributions to baseball, in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 World Series." It notes his role in helping the Red Sox win three World Series titles and how New York fans "embraced him not only as a fierce competitor but also as a beloved figure in baseball."

So why honor a Red Sox legend in enemy territory? The resolution cites charitable work "Big Papi" has done in the state, including participating in the Maestro Cares Gala, the Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational and the C.C. Sabathia PitCCh In Foundation Charity Softball Game at Yankee Stadium.

"These activities not only underscore his commitment to philanthropy but also solidify his connection to New York State, leveraging his celebrity status to raise awareness and substantial funds for various causes, thus directly benefiting children and communities across the state," Sepúlveda wrote.

Former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Ortiz played 20 MLB seasons from 1997 to 2016, primarily for the Yankees' arch-rival Red Sox. He's a 10-time All-Star, a seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a three-time World Series champ and the 2013 World Series MVP. Of his 541 career home runs, 53 were against the Yanks.

And he isn't the first Yankees nemesis to be honored at the state capitol in Albany. In 2015, former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martínez was honored by the Assembly as part of Dominican Heritage Week. 

While best known for his time in Boston, Martínez played four seasons with the New York Mets — so at least he has some rapport with the hometown fans.