Ortiz says Trump's comments on immigrants are 'a slap in the face'

David Ortiz has never been one to publicly touch on politics, but in a recent interview with Jorge Ortiz of USA Today Sports, the 41-year-old Red Sox legend weighed in on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's controversial comments regarding Latino immigrants and Trump's idea of building a wall to separate the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico.

"When you speak like that about us, it's a slap in the face," Ortiz said when asked about Trump's opinion on the matter.

"I walk around sometimes, and I see Mexican people trying to earn a living in an honest way. And to hear somebody make those kinds of comments, it hits you. I think as Latin people we deserve better. Things have gotten much better in that regard. As Latin people we deserve respect, no matter where you're from. And especially our Mexican brothers, who come here willing to do all the dirty work."

Ortiz also said Trump's remarks that Mexico is sending rapists and criminals to the U.S. "don't sit well with me" and that immigrants, not just Latinos, aid in shaping America in a number of important ways.

"Latin people here in the United States are the spark plug of the country’s economy. Whoever opposes that is going to lose. And not just Latin people but immigrants. I'm talking about people who come from Africa, from Asia, other places. All those people come here with one goal, to realize the American dream, and you have to include them in our group," Ortiz said.

Ortiz, who is from the Dominican Republic, has been a major voice around baseball regarding his culture and the difficulties he had during his path to the majors. Teammate and fellow Dominican Hanley Ramirez said he sees Ortiz as one of the game's biggest influential mentors.

"Everybody wants to be like him," Ramirez said. "All the players and other people look at him like an idol."