2013 has been a very memorable year, and has reminded me how much I have to be thankful for. I am thankful first for my family, my wife and my children, who have supported me throughout all the ups and downs in my career.
This year was very special for me on the field, being able to bring the World Series title back where it belongs, to the city of Boston. I am thankful for all my teammates and everyone in the Red Sox family who worked hard to make this goal a reality. This is a special group of guys, and I’m grateful that I could share the season with them.
I’m thankful for my health, and that I’m lucky enough to help sick children in the Dominican Republic – where I’m from – and those in my second home of New England get the pediatric care they need through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund to get healthy. Helping these kids remind me just how thankful we all should be every day.
I am thankful for my second home, the city of Boston. This has been a difficult year for Boston, with the tragic bombings at the marathon. However this city has bounced back stronger than ever, and I am thankful for all the policemen, firemen and emergency workers who have shown the strength of our city. I love this city and am honored that I can call it home.
And finally, I am thankful for Red Sox nation and the great people of Boston. This World Series is for you.
David Ortiz is a nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star for the Boston Red Sox, a three-time World Series Champion and, most recently, the 2013 World Series MVP.
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