The New York Yankees put aside their rivalry with the Boston Red Sox for a few minutes Thursday to honor David Ortiz.
The Red Sox designated hitter started his final game at Yankee Stadium before he rides off into the sunset. And the Yankees held a pregame ceremony for the retiring All-Star featuring former New York closer Mariano Rivera.
You know you're kind of a big deal when Mariano Rivera shows up your pregame ceremony! #ThanksPapi pic.twitter.com/7Ale4Lyh26
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 29, 2016
The Yankees gave Ortiz an oil painting of himself at home plate at Yankee Stadium, as well as a book of letters from current and former Yankees, which former pitcher David Cone and former Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury presented to Ortiz.
Time to say bye #respect ✌️️⚾️🗽 pic.twitter.com/YDLqExJxWh
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 29, 2016
It just goes to show that there are some players that transcend rivalries, and Ortiz is no exception.
Thumbnail photo via Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports Images
