Red Sox honor David Ortiz after induction into National Baseball Hall of Fame

BOSTON — A huge welcome home to Boston baseball hero – now Hall of Famer – David Ortiz!

Big Papi is a Red Sox Nation favorite, and the team took time out to honor his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is something that was amazing – what an experience,” Ortiz said to fans at Fenway who came to congratulate him.

Big Papi fans at Fenway tell Boston 25 they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“We are huge fans of David Ortiz… always have been. And we just had to come or his big night, his big return,” said Donna Horvath, from Taunton.

Travi Gonick grew up watching Ortiz.

“He’s our fav player and we just had to be here for it,” he said.

And now his three boys, also huge fans, are aspiring to be just like Papi.

“I got the number 34 because he has big power like me, and I like to hit home runs,” said TJ Gonick.

But before returning to Fenway, Ortiz returned to Boston – and he was glad to be back.

“It feels good. Boston is like my second home,” said Ortiz. “I played here a long time. I love Boston.”

And Big Papi didn’t miss a chance to give a shout out to Boston 25 photog Walt McGraw:

“Playa, playa! What you got man? Everything good,” said Ortiz.

At Fenway, Ortiz thanked Boston, his family and the team for their support.

“Thank you very much Boston,” said Ortiz.

And then he kicked off the game in classic Papi style.

“Uno, dos, tres…Play ball!” he shouted.

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