Notorious Yankee Killer David Ortiz Honored in Albany New York

Longtime Yankee Killer Honored in New York

Notorious slugger - and longtime New York Yankee killer - David "Big Papi" Oritz tortured New Yorkers for many years while starring with the Boston Red Sox.  So, what was the BoSox legend doing in Albany, New York on Monday?

According to sources, the New York State Senate honored David Ortiz on Monday for his "prolific career and philanthropic work."

New York State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda, a die-hard Yankee fan, put his differences aside to acknowledge Ortiz's philanthropic work, according to spokesperson Rusking Pimentel.

Papi Gives Back

According to the resolution passed by state senators, the Boston Red Sox great, nicknamed "Big Papi," has long leveraged his celebrity status to raise awareness and money for various causes that connect him to New York.

His nonprofit, the David Ortiz Children's Fund, provides cardiac care services for Dominican and New England children who otherwise cannot afford it. Those services have also benefited New York families. This organization has helped save the lives of over 935 children in the Dominican Republic and has helped thousands more in the New England area.

20 Years Since Historic World Series

Ortiz's visit to the statehouse in Albany coincided with the 20th anniversary of his Red Sox team's 2004 World Series win.

Yankee fans will never forget how Papi's Red Sox stormed back from being down 3-0 in the best of 7 series to beat the Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, winning their first title in 86 years and ending the so-called "Curse of the Bambino."

Ortiz was playful with reporters who asked about the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, which was heightened 20 years ago.

"The Yankees had the opportunity to sign me and they didn't. So, now they have to pay for it. What can I say?" the slugger told reporters.