For the final regular season games of David Ortiz‘s career, the Boston Red Sox are rolling out a few interesting tributes.
This weekend should be an eventful one at Fenway Park. Big Papi is set to retire after this year with a likely Hall of Fame resume that includes 540 (and counting) home runs, three World Series titles in Boston, and countless memorable moments in the postseason.
With some of Ortiz’s biggest moments coming at Fenway Park, it is not only fitting that the Red Sox are ending the regular season at home, but that the team is taking some extra steps to recognize his career. One that has already caught attention on social media is the pattern of the outfield grass, which has been mowed into Ortiz’s likeness:
#RedSox going next level to honor David Ortiz in center field at Fenway Park (photo via @PetesWire) #ThanksPapi pic.twitter.com/83N76PNSjU
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 29, 2016
That will be on display at Fenway Park when the Red Sox face the Toronto Blue Jays over the next three nights. The Red Sox’s tributes are not limited to Fenway, however, as the team has also introduced the #ThanksPapi 34 Tour. The #ThanksPapi 34 Tour has already begun, and the Red Sox are taking a large number 34 to various locations around Boston and asking fans to sign a thank you card to Ortiz.
On top of those elements, the Red Sox are planning ceremonies throughout the weekend at Fenway Park. A release issued by the team encourages fans to be seated by 6:30 for the games tonight and Saturday, and it also asks spectators to be seated early for Sunday’s 3:05 regular season finale.
While Ortiz’s legacy makes him worthy of the fanfare, these games will not mark his last at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have already clinched the American League East, and are at least guaranteed to host Division Series games.