State leaders propose renaming a bridge near Fenway for Big Papi
David Ortiz to play in last regular-season game Sunday
Will Boston soon have a bridge named in honor of retiring Red Sox legend David Ortiz?
Members of the state House, the Senate and the governor's office have put forward a plan to rename a bridge along Brookline Avenue between Lansdowne Street and Newbury Street, over the Massachusetts Turnpike behind Fenway Park's Green Monster. If successful, it would be called the "David Ortiz ('Big Papi') Bridge."
The proposal is included as part of a supplemental budget and says that the honor would be "in recognition of his athletic accomplishments during 14 seasons as a member of the Boston Red Sox, and his personal contributions to the commonwealth."
If approved, a name marker would be placed on the bridge.
“As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am thrilled to be able to help our commonwealth create a lasting ‘thank you’ to Big Papi through the renaming of this bridge," said Gov. Charlie Baker.
“Whether it be his clutch, curse-breaking hits on the diamond, his now legendary speech to rally the spirits of this city in the aftermath of the marathon bombing, or his prodigious charity work, ‘Papi’ has left a lasting impact,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House chair of the Committee on Ways & Means.
Once a House Ways & Means Committee poll is completed, the House could act on the measure before the end of the week. The legislation would then go to the Senate.
Although Ortiz and his Red Sox teammates are headed to the postseason this October, his last regular-season game at Fenway Park is scheduled for Sunday.