As David Ortiz approaches the end of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, the Boston Red Sox slugger made his feelings known regarding a number of subjects Tuesday, including presidential candidate Donald Trump’s comments on Latinos.
In a Spanish-speaking interview with Jorge L. Ortiz of USA Today, Big Papi had the following to say about Trump, who has taken a hard-line immigration stance complete with a plan to build a wall on the United States-Mexico border:
When you speak like that about us, it’s a slap in the face. I walk around sometimes, and I see Mexican people trying to earn a living in an honest way. And to hear somebody make those kinds of comments, it hits you. I think as Latin people we deserve better. Things have gotten much better in that regard. … As Latin people we deserve respect, no matter where you’re from. And especially our Mexican brothers, who come here willing to do all the dirty work.
Latin people here in the United States are the spark plug of the country’s economy. Whoever opposes that is going to lose. And not just Latin people but immigrants. I’m talking about people who come from Africa, from Asia, other places. All those people come here with one goal, to realize the American dream, and you have to include them in our group.
The 40-year-old Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic, and he has carved out a 20-year MLB career, complete with 10 All-Star appearances, three World Series titles and one World Series MVP award.
Despite everything Ortiz has accomplished on the field—including hitting 534 career home runs—he cares more about leaving a lasting legacy from a character perspective and setting a positive example for his children:
That matters to me more than any home runs I’ve hit. It may inspire some of the young players coming up to try to emulate the things I’ve done right. … If [my kids] ever get up [to Major League Baseball], I want people to say to them, ‘I knew your dad, and he was a guy with huge power. But there was something better about him. He was a good person, a good guy.’ That’s what I care about the most.
The legendary designated hitter is in the midst of one of his best seasons in years, as he enters play Tuesday with a .318 batting average, 31 homers and 107 RBI.
Even though he shows no signs of slowing down, Papi has remained steadfast in his insistence that he intends to retire following the 2016 campaign.
Before he does that, though, a fourth career World Series ring is a real possibility with the Red Sox in playoff position.
Regardless of whether he caps off his career in ideal fashion, however, Ortiz has sealed his legacy as an all-time great slugger and a beloved personality in Boston and across the baseball world.
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