Red Sox will retire David Ortiz's #34

BOSTON — In a pregame announcement at Fenway Park, the Red Sox announced they will retire David Ortiz's #34 next season during a special ceremony.

Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice joined the Red Sox ownership team of John Henry and Tom Werner as the announcement was made Sunday afternoon over the public address system.

The Red Sox Foundation also made a donation of $500,000 to the David Ortiz Children's Foundation. That $500,000 was matched by the Red Sox ownership group, for a total donation of $1,000,000.

Former Red Sox players paraded in from centerfield to pay tribute to Ortiz, including Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek and many more.

Martinez and Ortiz embraced as Pedro held the 2004 World Series trophy.

Earlier in the ceremony, Massachusetts Governor announed the bridge over the Mass Pike connecting Kenmore Square to the Fenway area will be renamed the "Big Papi David Ortiz Bridge," while Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the street connecting the MBTA Fenway stop to Brookline Avenue will be called, "David Ortiz Drive."

Dominican Republic president Danilo Medina threw out the first pitch, with Ortiz behind the plate.

Shortly before the game began, Leo Ortiz, David's father, joined his son on the field as the team honored David's late mother.

Ortiz addressed the crowd, thanking God for his beautiful family and broke down as he thanked his mother.

The crowd began applauding as David composed himself.

"I want to thank you, Mom, wherever you are. I love you so much and I miss you," said Ortiz.

He continued, thanking his father, his wife and children, the Red Sox.

"You guys have supported me so much," said Ortiz. "I want to thank you so much for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization."

Ortiz specifically thanked Pedro Martinez for going out of his way to bring Ortiz to the Red Sox organization.

He thanked his teammates from the past and his teammates from the present for bringing out the best  in him every day, then thanked President Medina, his agents, the Red Sox clubhouse attendants, Commissioner Rob Manfred and the media.

"I know I'm very emotional, but that's who I am and I want to give the fans my very best."

He dropped to a knee as he thanked Red Sox fans.

"I want to thank all of you. Thank you so much. You guys are the best. Yeah!," said Ortiz.

Finally, surrounded by Jonny Gomes, Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell, Ortiz yelled, "Play Ball!"

Cox Media Group