David Ortiz to Have Boston Street Near Fenway Park Named in His Honor

Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz will have a street near Fenway Park renamed in his honor during a ceremony Thursday.

The Associated Press (via Sports Illustrated) reported Yawkey Way Extension is set to become David Ortiz Drive. The street joins a Boston bridge already named after the longtime designated hitter, and he's set to have his No. 34 retired by the club Friday.

Ortiz joined the Red Sox in 2003 after an unheralded six-year stint with the Minnesota Twins. He developed into one of the league's most feared sluggers during his time in Boston, earning 10 All-Star Game selections and seven Silver Slugger Awards.

The 41-year-old Dominican Republic native also helped the organization win three championships, earning the World Series MVP Award for his impact during the 2013 Fall Classic.

His extended run of success, combined with his off-field impact in the community, put him in rare air with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady among the most beloved athletes in Boston in the current era before his retirement after the 2016 season.

Ortiz will always be remembered for his passionate speech following the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt in April 2013.

"This past week, I don't think there was one human being who wasn't affected by what we got going on down here," Ortiz told the Fenway Park crowd. "This past week for me, myself, I was very emotional and angry about whole situation and got to get that out of my chest and make sure our fans and everyone in the nation knows that this is a great nation and part of it was supporting each other when everything went down."

He added: "This is our [expletive] city, and nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong."

It's a moment that transcended sports and solidified his place as a revered Boston figure, even among non-baseball fans. That status will now by commemorated on David Ortiz Drive.