Big Papi ‘can’t thank the U.S. enough’ for Hall of Fame career

Red Sox

Big Papi ‘can’t thank the U.S. enough’ for Hall of Fame career

In May, legendary Boston Red Sox designated-hitter David Ortiz was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. The 10-time All-Star will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 24.

In an interview with NESN’s Tom Caron posted Wednesday, Big Papi explained why he’ll always be appreciative of the United States.

“One of the guys asked me, ‘Man, you sound like you’re very proud of being an American citizen,’ and I told him, ‘Man, you have no idea,'” Ortiz said about a conversation he had at the American Embassy in the Dominican Republic this week.

Ortiz became an American citizen on June 11, 2008.

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“I mean I can’t thank the U.S. enough for everything that had to do with me and my family throughout the years. You know, I built a career in the U.S. I’m living the American Dream based on all the hard work. I have never had issues living in the U.S.”

“And the U.S. has given me the opportunity to be someone, to put my son, my family in a better situation. Two of my kids have been born, one in Boston and the other one in Wisconsin. You know, I have, I was married to someone that is a beautiful person,” Ortiz continued.

“What else can I ask? You know what I’m saying? I mean everything has been incredible. I have, I have an amazing career, so I always gonna try to represent the U.S. no matter what, just like I represent the Dominican Republic.”

Ortiz’s love for America is nothing new, though. He famously demonstrated his spirited love for Boston in his rallying speech after the devastating Boston Marathon bombing back in 2013.

The beloved Boston legend has earned his place in the Hall of Fame through his hard work. The Cooperstown inductee played 14 years with the Red Sox and was instrumental to Boston’s three championships during his tenure.

Big Papi racked up 541 home runs, 632 doubles and 1,786 RBIs in his career. He is one of only four players ever to hit at least 500 home runs and 600 doubles.

“It’s going to be a special week,” Ortiz said about his upcoming induction ceremony.