After Fulfulling Home Run Promise, David Ortiz Meets Maverick Schutte at Fenway Park
Screenshot via Red Sox
Two weeks ago, David Ortiz pledged to hit a home run for a young Red Sox fan who’s battling a heart defect. He fulfilled his promise, belting a game-winning home run in the eighth inning against the vaunted New York Yankees.
On Wednesday, the two finally met.
Maverick Schutte, a 6-year-old from Wyoming who’s undergone 30 operations in his young life, was in attendance to see the Red Sox rout the Oakland A’s. Ortiz first reached out to Maverick last month at the behest of former teammate Kevin Millar.
This is the video me and @davidortiz sent our little buddy Maverick before Red Sox game tonight…. pic.twitter.com/kVTqSoe8OV
— Kevin Millar (@KMillar15) April 30, 2016
Maverick returned Ortiz’s message that night, telling Ortiz he “never lets him down.”
And this is Maverick video back us @davidortiz after home run 2nite. The man touches lives daily and brings smiles. pic.twitter.com/SPUhx7Hmdq
— Kevin Millar (@KMillar15) April 30, 2016
Every player on the Red Sox was introduced to Maverick Wednesday, as he spent time in the dugout prior to the start of the game and accompanied Ortiz to batting practice. Maverick also got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, with Ortiz receiving it in front of the plate.
The adventures of Maverick continue with the ceremonial first pitch! #MaverickStrong pic.twitter.com/WIYB4maNbq
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) May 11, 2016
“An experience of a lifetime to come up here,” Maverick’s mother, Marti Linnane, told MLB.com. “It’s like a fairy tale for a mom. For Maverick, it’s just amazing. He’s beyond overjoyed. He’s so happy. He said it’s the best day of his life every time we do anything with the Red Sox. As soon as he hit the field today, he said, ‘I can’t believe I’m in Fenway.’ It’s so fun.”
Maverick, who was seated next to principal owner John Henry, also went home with a foul ball.
“He’s been smiling the whole time he has been here. You’re talking about 6 years old and been through hell . . . He’s a hero,” Ortiz said, via the Globe. “You talk about superheroes? He’s a hero to be able to get through all the tough times. I just can’t imagine as a father watching your kid go through that.”
The Red Sox clobbered the A’s for the third straight game, but there’s little doubt who the real winner was at Fenway Wednesday night.
