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David Ortiz<\/a> pops up at Red Sox<\/a> spring training, shouts out “Boston Nation” originally appeared on nbcsportsboston.com<\/a><\/p>\n The Boston Red Sox’s honorary godfather is making the rounds again.<\/p>\n Retired slugger David Ortiz showed up at the Red Sox’s spring training facility Friday to greet old friends and teammates, who apparently were happy to see him.<\/p>\n David Ortiz just strolled through the Red Sox clubhouse. Chris Sale<\/a> jumped out of his seat to greet him.<\/p>\n \u2014 Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) March 1, 2019<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Big Papi also posted a message to “Boston Nation” on his Instagram story from JetBlue Park, telling fans he’d be traveling with the Sox<\/a> to the Minnesota Twins<\/a>‘ complex in Fort Myers for Friday’s spring training game.<\/p>\n Ortiz even will be in the Red Sox’s dugout for Boston’s contest against his other former team — as an observer, of course.<\/p>\n David Ortiz will be in uniform and in the dugout during today’s game against the Twins. I don’t think he will pinch hit, however.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 1, 2019<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Ortiz has stayed close to the Red Sox since retiring in 2016, making spring training appearances in each of the last two seasons. He’s officially listed as a “special assistant”<\/a> in Boston’s front office along with Pedro Martinez and Tim Wakefield, and the Red Sox said upon his retirement they would have a role open for him if he wanted to join the coaching staff.<\/p>\n The 43-year-old is a busy man — he’s a part-time MLB analyst for FOX Sports and has several active business ventures — so don’t expect to see him in Boston’s clubhouse every day. But Big Papi always provides a morale boost when he’s in town, and it appears Friday was no exception.<\/p>\n\n
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