NEW YORK — David Ortiz received just what he’d always wanted at the Stadium, a grand ovation from the fans he tormented during the last 14 seasons — some of them unforgettable — in the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.
The retiring slugger was also given two gifts by the Yankees on Thursday evening, one of which was presented by Mariano Rivera. And there was another surprise.
As he strolled to the plate for his first at-bat, the crowd rose for another standing ovation.
And there were some chants of “Papi, Papi” — and then more cheers — as he was struck out by CC Sabathia.