Sometimes it's the little things that make a big impression. I saw one that struck me last night. Big Papi congratulated Mike Lowell on his walk after Lowell pinch-hit for him.
Ortiz was enduring another brutal night at the plate with no production & 2 more K's. The big man was so frustrated that he broke a bat over his thigh on the way back to the dugout.
With time running out in the game & a lefty-lefty matchup looming Francona decided to pinch-hit for Ortiz with Lowell. It didn't produce a run, but Lowell did reach base via a walk to keep the inning alive. Lowell later got up in the 9th & was intentionally walked.
Instead of sulking after being lifted, Ortiz was the first guy at the top of the dugout steps to give Lowell a high-5 after the inning was over. A lot will be made of the lifting of Big Papi due to his offensive struggles. But let's give Ortiz his due for being a classy guy & a good teammate. You don't see that happen in pro sports very often today.
1 comment:
He has always been a class act. That's why everyone loves him. That is also why it pains me to criticize him.
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