The slugger played for the Sox for 14 consecutive seasons
By Mike Pescaro, Monica Madeja and Caitlin Fichtel ••
The number 34 will never be worn by another Red Sox player after the team retired it in honor of David Ortiz on Friday.
The Boston Red Sox officially retired No. 34 in honor of David Ortiz in a special ceremony at Fenway Park on Friday night.
"I love you, Boston," Big Papi told Red Sox Nation. "Thank you."
Longtime Red Sox slugger David Ortiz expressed his gratitude Friday after his number was retired at Fenway Park.
Red Sox legends like Carl Yastrzemski, and relatives of others, like Johnny Pesky, were on hand to congratulate the slugging designated hitter.
Some of his former teammates, including Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, catcher Jason Varitek, knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, and second baseman Dustin Pedroia, also honored Ortiz. Martinez and Pedroia both paid tribute in speeches.
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Fans line up outside Fenway Park as they wait to see the Red Sox retire David Ortiz's number.
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A banner thanking David Ortiz hangs outside Fenway Park.
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Bars in the Fenway area were packed with David Ortiz fans on Friday.
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Special Big Papi merchandise was being sold outside Fenway Park before the game Friday.
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The scoreboard at Fenway Park displayed David Ortiz's No. 34 before the game Friday.
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Before the formal retirement of his number, a banner commemorating the career of David Ortiz already hung from the side of Fenway Park.
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Fans showed their gratitude Friday to David Ortiz at Fenway Park.
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David Ortiz's retired number was officially unveiled Friday.
Friday morning, JetBlue unveiled a new Big Papi and Red Sox themed gate at Logan Airport. The gate, appropriately C34, is adorned with photos of Ortiz's top 10 Red Sox moments and his jersey. Ortiz was on hand for the dedication.
"I have been around for a long time and it's been a blessing being part of Boston," Ortiz said.
Big Papi played for the Red Sox for 14 consecutive seasons, helping the team win a total of three World Seriess Championships.
Monica Madeja
The new sign near Fenway Park.
Dan Valente
Dan Valente
Dan Valente
Dan Valente
Dan Valente
Eli Rosenberg
Jonathan Choe
Athletes came to the House of Blues on Thursday night for the Roast of David Ortiz.
Jonathan Choe
Jonathan Choe
Jonathan Choe
On Thursday afternoon, the Red Sox and the City of Boston renamed the Yawkee Way extension near Fenway Park "David Ortiz Drive" in honor of the player.
Later in the day, Big Papi was roasted by friends and fellow heavy hitters in major league sports.
Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels is set to begin at 7:10 p.m. but fans are encouraged to arrive earlier for the ceremony.
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