David Ortiz’s Daughter Sings National Anthem at Dad’s Final Opening Day
Monday marks Red Sox slugger David Ortiz’s last Opening Day at Fenway Park, after he announced his retirement after this season on his 40th birthday. The 2016 campaign is sure to have more than its fair share of schmaltzy tributes over the next 162 games, so try to enjoy this afternoon’s adorable little moment before you get too jaded.
Joining Boston sports legends Bobby Orr, Bill Russell, and Ty Law, Ortiz’s 15-year-old daughter Alex delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem for the Fenway faithful.
There’s no crying in baseball unless your daughter just sang the national anthem pic.twitter.com/fQZeE6eZeJ
— Feitelberg (@FeitsBarstool) April 11, 2016
Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione’s announcement caught Ortiz by complete surprise. He had to fight back tears while his daughter sang.
Ha!!! David Ortiz’ reaction to hearing his daughter will sing national anthem for #RedSox season opener. #BigPapi pic.twitter.com/X1ucEQzU12
— Scott Sullivan (@SullySportsTV) April 11, 2016
Just as Ortiz belted out the last line, F-16 fighter jets flew over Fenway Park.
F16 Flyover @fenwaypark Alex Ortiz, Big Papi’s daughter sings National Anthem. #HomeOpener #wbz pic.twitter.com/M3SPGVvLKK
— Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) April 11, 2016
What a perfect way to start Big Papi’s ride off into the sunset.