David Ortiz is thankful to the US for all it has to offer--hear his words of gratitude. 10 unvaccinated Royals are forced to sit out Toronto series, while Rapper Nelly celebrates Pujols' 685th homerun and Angels' Shohei Ohtani strikes out 12 and delivers at bat.
David Ortiz thankful to US for all it has to offer
Ahead of the induction of David Ortiz into the national baseball Hall of Fame on July 24, the legendary Boston Red Sox designated-hitter voiced his appreciation for the opportunities afforded him in the United States.
"Big Papi" was also inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in May.
The 10-time All-Star from the Dominican Republic became an American citizen on June 11, 2008, and said he "can't think the US enough" for what America has given him, NBC reported.
In a recent interview with NESN, Ortiz spoke about a conversation he had at the American Embassy in the Dominican Republic this week.
"One of the guys asked me, 'Man, you sound like you're very proud of being an American citizen,'" Ortiz said, "and I told him, 'Man, you have no idea.'"
"I mean I can't thank the U.S. enough for everything that had to do with me and my family throughout the years," Ortiz continued. "You know, I built a career in the U.S. I'm living the American Dream based on all the hard work. I have never had issues living in the U.S."
"And the U.S. has given me the opportunity to be someone, to put my son, my family in a better situation," Ortiz added. "What else can I ask? ... I mean everything has been incredible ... I have an amazing career, so I always gonna try to represent the U.S. no matter what, just like I represent the Dominican Republic.
10 unvaccinated Royals forced to sit out Toronto series
Ten players from the Kansas City Royals, which includes four of their top hitters and two of the best starting pitchers this season, will not travel to Toronto this week for a four-game series with the Blue Jays due to vaccination requirements and Canada, ESPN reported.
Canada requires all noncitizen travelers to provide proof of vaccination to enter the country, Sports Illustrated reported. The Royals' series with the Blue Jays is their last before the All-Star break.
Among the players who will not be crossing into Canada are outfielder Andrew Benintendi, utilityman Whit Merrifield, catcher MJ Melendez, first baseman/outfielder Hunter Dozier, pitcher Brad Keller, pitcher Brady Singer, center fielder Michael A. Taylor, outfielder Kyle Isbel, relief pitcher Dylan Coleman, and catcher Cam Gallagher.
Rapper Nelly celebrates Pujols' 685th home run
Rapper Nelly double high-fived the memorable moment in St. Louis last night when Cardinals legend Albert Pujols delivered a 386-foot home run to the left-field seats, the 685th homer of his career, Fox reported. It marks the second round-tripper in three days for 22-year MLB veteran Pujols. It marks the 6th homer for the season for Albert as he moves closer to the 700 club.
Watch: Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani strikes out 12, and delivers at bat
Los Angeles Angel pitcher Shohei Ohtani help the team snap a 5-game losing streak, as he struck out 12 batters, while delivering at bat on his own with two base knocks, including the two-run triple. Watch the twelve strikeouts at MLB.