After completing their series in New York against the Yankees, the Red Sox will return to Fenway Park for the final three games of the season (and career of David Ortiz) starting on Friday. Among the tributes awaiting Ortiz is one made possible by the grounds crew.
It will be a festive weekend in Boston as the Red Sox celebrate the career of one of the more popular players in franchise history. While there is expected to be a ceremony prior to each game versus the Blue Jays, one thing we do know is a massive image of Ortiz has been cut into the outfield grass at Fenway Park in the shape of the slugger pointing to the sky as he does after hitting a home run.
A tribute to Big Papi is in the works in center field by crews at #FenwayPark #RedSox.#FOX25 pic.twitter.com/k33gHOI1Rv
— Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) September 29, 2016
As ESPN’s Buster Olney adds, a new machine and technology was used for the portrait.
Red Sox field staffers used new machine, new technology, to cut image of David Ortiz into Fenway field. @Todd Radom pic.twitter.com/tnVCtPxdl1
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 29, 2016
Ortiz currently holds the Red Sox record for home runs in a single season with 54. He also ranks second in team history in home runs (482), third in doubles (524), fourth in slugging percentage (.570), fifth in games played (1,949) and runs scored (1,203), and sixth in hits (2,076).
