David Ortiz’s legacy prompts Boston lawmakers to eye ‘Big Papi Bridge’ near Fenway

Boston lawmakers may soon honor the legacy of professional baseball player David Ortiz by renaming the Brookline Avenue Bridge the “Big Papi Bridge.”

The Boston Red Sox and the rest of Major League Baseball will bid farewell to “Big Papi” after 14 seasons this year, but the road to Fenway Park may soon serve as a memorial to his play. Lawmakers are mulling legislation that would ensure baseball fans riding along the Massachusetts Turnpike are reminded of the three-time World Series champion.

Officials told the Boston Globe on Thursday that their plan is to obtain a successful vote in the House Ways and Means Committee on Friday, which would then move their bill over to the Senate. The plan has been endorsed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s office, Senate President Stan Rosenberg’s office and House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s office.

“David Ortiz’s accomplishments and heroics on and off the baseball field have made him a living legend, and his heartfelt contributions to the communities here and in his native Dominican Republic have made him an icon,” Mr. Baker said in a statement, the newspaper reported. “As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am thrilled to be able to help our Commonwealth create a lasting ’Thank You’ to Big Papi.”

Mr. Ortiz and the AL East-champion Red Sox finish off the last of a three-game series with the New York Yankees Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. “Big Papi” has said he hopes the crowd will give him a warm sendoff despite his habit of playing the spoiler in big games against them over the years.