MAYOR WALSH & RED SOX PROPOSE "DAVID ORTIZ DRIVE" TO HONOR CAREER OF RED SOX PLAYER

MAYOR WALSH & RED SOX PROPOSE "DAVID ORTIZ DRIVE" TO HONOR CAREER OF RED SOX PLAYER

BOSTON - Monday, October 3, 2016 - To honor David Ortiz's career with the Boston Red Sox, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Red Sox announced that they will create a David Ortiz Drive in the City of Boston. The street under consideration is currently called Yawkey Way Extension. The Mayor made the announcement at a pre-game ceremony honoring Ortiz at Fenway Park on Sunday, October 2. "David Ortiz is a true Bostonian and he embodies the spirit of our great City," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud that the City of Boston is able to honor his career and legacy with the Red Sox and show our gratitude for all of his contributions to our community and beyond." Yawkey Way Extension connects Maitland Street and Brookline Avenue. As a new street built in 2013, it was given that temporary name. The street serves as an important connection between Fenway Park and the MBTA's Yawkey Station. Most notably, a pedestrian plaza along the street is lined with all the retired numbers of Red Sox greats. Street name changes must be approved by the City of Boston's Public Improvement Commission. The PIC expects to hear the petition from the Red Sox formally requesting this name change before Opening Day 2017.