Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
Presented is an amazing game worn jersey of 2013 World Series MVP David Ortiz, worn this past summer in the July 4, 2013 game at Fenway Park, an 8-2 win over the San Diego Padres in which "Big Papi" was 2-5 with a double and a pair of RBI. The 2013 season began innocently enough for the Boston Red Sox. The 2012 last place season was a distant memory, and former manager Bobby Valentine was long gone. While their Big Papi was yet to play due to still recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in August 2012, they were up one game in the American League East Division entering the annual Patriots Day game, the morning of Monday, April 15th. It was also the day of the Boston Marathon. The Red Sox finished their morning game at 2:08 PM, and 41 minutes later, the unthinkable happened. Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Marathon, and the city was changed forever. The citizens were simply not Bostonians anymore, they were now "Boston Strong." Five days later, a packed house of Boston Strong faithful were in Fenway Park, witnessing Big Papi's return to the lineup, and his epic speech of "This is our @%#*+ city! And nobody's going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong". Ortiz went on the lead the Red Sox to the 2013 World Series title, becoming the World Series Most Valuable Player, another strong feather in his likely Hall of Fame cap. Ortiz wore this jersey on another United States day of freedom, Independence Day. This home, white button-down jersey has "RED SOX" across the chest and the number "34" on the reverse, both in red-on-blue tackle twill. The lower front tail has the "Majestic Authentic" patch, and a white strip tag with "34 50 '13" stitched in black, indicating number, size and year. The Majestic tag has the MLB hologram, serial number EK682853, confirming this jersey was worn by Ortiz during the July 4, 2013 game at Fenway Park. The left shoulder has the "B STRONG" patch, added this year due to the bombings. The jersey exhibits tremendous wear, with multiple large areas of dirt primarily on the left shoulder, collar area and the reverse, and appears to be all original with no alterations. David Ortiz was a big part of the Red Sox winning their third World Series title in 10 years, as he was with the prior two titles in 2004 and 2007. However, his presence this 2013 season goes further than home runs, RBIs and batting average. His leadership was instrumental in leading his teammates through an early season crisis and a World Series deficit of down 2-1. This cements his legacy as a Boston Red Sox all time great and likely a first ballot Hall of Famer. MLB Authenticated 2013 game worn David Ortiz jersey.