David Ortiz Gives NSFW Speech at Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park Return

The Boston Red Sox made an emotional return to Boston and Fenway Park on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, led by veteran star David Ortiz, who sparked the crowd with a NSFW (not safe for work) speech.

Life started to return to normal for the city the day after the second of two suspects in the Boston Marathon terrorist bombings was captured. With Friday’s game having been canceled, the prospect of the Red Sox returning to action came as welcome relief to a city exhausted from the bombing tragedy and subsequent week-long manhunt.

The game also marked the return of the Red Sox’s designated hitter, Ortiz, who last played on August 24, 2012 because of an Achilles injury.

The Red Sox honored the victims and first responders of the bombings and investigation Saturday with a lengthy pregame celebration that included video tributes, songs and recognition of individuals.

The ceremony concluded when Ortiz took a microphone and delivered a short but fiery (including the use of a certain four-letter word) speech about the strength and resiliency of Boston that drew raucous cheers from the crowd:

WARNING: The YouTube video below contains adult language

Despite the adult-oriented tone of the speech, it drew immediate praise and appreciation from Boston media and celebrities:

"

Only @davidortiz could pull that off. Perfection. #RedSox

— Jenny Dell (@JennyDellNESN) April 20, 2013"

"

Big Papi just had the walk-off home run of memorial ceremony speeches

— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers21) April 20, 2013"

"

Big Papi F bombs the ceremony. Hilarious.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) April 20, 2013"

Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” is entering his 11th season as a member of the Red Sox and is one of the most popular athletes in the history of Boston. He has been part of two World Series-winning teams and became known for his big, friendly personality.

Although Boston still has a lot of healing to do, the few words spoken by Ortiz at Saturday’s game spoke volumes about the resolve of its people and the special place the team and the affable slugger have in the community.

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