BOSTON — David Ortiz and the Red Sox have said their vows.
It was long known the Sox and Ortiz were working on a special arrangement, something beyond the typical ambassador role ex-stars take with clubs. The parties made it official Wednesday, when the Sox announced that Ortiz “will act as a mentor for current players, participate in recruitment efforts, make a variety of special appearances for the club, and work in a business development capacity for Fenway Sports Management and its partners.”
So, is it ’til death do them part? The Red Sox’ announcement called the contract unprecedented and said it “should link him with the organization forever.”
Basically, it is a lifetime contract. Technically, the relationship could end some day, if the parties agreed to move on. There's no reason to think that would happen, however. (Maybe Ortiz would someday want buy a team of his own, who knows?)
“For over a decade and a half, we have gotten to know what kind of man David is both on and off the field,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a press release. “His skill and success on the diamond are rivaled only by his spirit, compassion, and big heart. I cannot think of a better representative for our organization. I’m happy we can now say officially what we have long known, David is family.”