Ortiz surprised by 15-year-old daughter singing National Anthem

Share

BOSTON - David Ortiz isn't one to be nervous on the baseball field, but that might have changed Monday at Fenway Park.

No, the fact that Ortiz is in his final MLB season isn't getting to him, but he got the surprise of his life after he was introduced in the Red Sox starting lineup and stood along the first base line to hear the National Anthem.

Ortiz did not know that his 15-year-old daughter, Alex, was going to sing it.

Cameras showed Ortiz laughing with teammates as the announcement was made, but that laughter most likely turned to a bit of nerves as Alex began.

Luckily, the anthem went off without a hitch, and Ortiz was quick to go over to her once it ended and give her a big hug. You could tell he was emotional.

After the ceremony, Ortiz was joined by former greats from Boston's three other major professional sports franchises -- Bill Russell from the Celtics, Bobby Orr from the Bruins and Ty Law from the Patriots -- in throwing out the first pitch. And then he and three other former teammates -- Pedro Martinez, Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek -- gave the "Play ball!" announcement.

Contact Us