I was on my my home when I saw about the retiring David Ortiz’s “plea” in the New York Post to Yankee fans. And I couldn’t wait to get home and Squawk about it, because obviously, I have something to say!
Post columnist Kevin Kernan talked to Ortiz today about what he wanted in his final game of his career at Yankee Stadium:
When Ortiz, 40, makes his final Yankee Stadium appearance on Sept. 29, this is what he wants, and it speaks volumes about Ortiz the player, the competitor, the enemy, the star.
“You know what I want most of all?’’ Big Papi told The Post on Tuesday at JetBlue Park. “I would love it if the fans at Yankee Stadium gave me a standing ovation.’’
Kernan writes that Yankee fans can “show class” by doing this:
Cheer for Big Papi. Chant his nickname. Send him out with class.
You know, I mostly like Kernan’s writing, but this is a bit much for me.
Look, I gave Ortiz a standing ovation in my living room when, after the Boston Marathon bombing, he took the mike at Fenway and said, “This is our f*cking city.” That was a great moment, and it’s the one time in my life I wanted to cheer for Ortiz. That’s enough for me, thanks. Unless he’s got Lou Gehrig’s Disease or something, I am on record in thinking these endless farewell tours are too much. And I’m not cheering for him. I also think it’s a little weird for him to ask for this.
Now, I’m not going to tell other Yankee fans that they shouldn’t cheer for Ortiz. But I say not just “No,” but “Hello, no.” to the idea of me cheering and giving him a standing ovation and chanting “Big Papi.” Good grief.
And I don’t think not doing so for him makes me unclassy. (Class is overrated, anyway!)
I also don’t think that sportswriters should tell fans what to do here. This is a personal decision every fan has the right to make. And I’m sitting on my hands, thanks!
What do you think? Will you cheer for David Ortiz?
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