Skip to content

5 people we want to see at Ortiz's number retirement ceremony

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Thursday was a good day for former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced a street near Fenway Park would be renamed after the popular Dominican.

Friday, however, is expected to be even more special, with the Red Sox scheduled to retire Big Papi's No. 34 at the legendary ballpark prior to their contest against the Los Angeles Angels.

Ortiz will join Red Sox greats like Wade Boggs, Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martinez, Johnny Pesky, Jim Rice, Ted Williams, and Carl Yastrzemski in having his number retired.

With Ortiz being such a popular figure not just in Boston, but around the sports world, a plethora of his good buddies will surely be in attendance to share in the prestigious honor with him.

Here are five people it'd be a joy to see at Papi's retirement ceremony:

Tom Brady

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Although it's an unlikely scenario with Brady touring Asia - and battling sumo wrestlers in the process - as part of an Under Armour promotion, seeing the five-time Super Bowl champ take part in Ortiz's retirement ceremony would be special. The pair of Boston figureheads are good buddies, and have attended events such as the Kentucky Derby together.

Maverick Schutte

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Papi's relationship with Schutte, a 7-year-old boy from Cheyenne, Wyo., with a congenital heart defect, has been well-documented. He promised, and delivered, a home run for the youngster in 2016, and has had a special bond with him ever since. Schutte was planning on attending Friday's game, but he and his family have apparently run into some unfortunate extenuating circumstances, according to the Prayers for Maverick Facebook page, which could prevent him from attending.

Manny Ramirez

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

What would Ortiz's retirement ceremony be without old friend and former teammate Manny Ramirez? The dynamic Dominican duo were responsible for terrorizing opposing pitchers in the heart of the Red Sox lineup from 2003-08, and formed one of baseball's closest bonds while helping Boston win World Series titles in 2004 and '07.

Rob Gronkowski

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Why settle for one New England Patriot when you can have two? Rob Gronkowski and Ortiz have not only sung in Dunkin' Donuts commercials together, but, if Papi's Instagram account is any indication, have clearly become buddies. Gronk may have to keep his energy, enthusiasm, and antics under wraps for this one, though.

Pedro Martinez

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Martinez and Ortiz are like peanut butter and jelly: they're just made for each other. That's why Pedro's attendance at Friday's celebration is a must. The pair shared some magical moments together during their brief time with the Red Sox in 2003-04 before Martinez departed for the New York Mets, and their tight friendship is still intact to this day. Pedro was even responsible for sparking rumors of his former teammate's return to the Red Sox, suggesting the retired Ortiz was in "baseball shape" and Boston "could use a bit of his bat" earlier this month.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox