Celtics Rookie Jaylen Brown Inspired by David Ortiz
Rookie Jaylen Brown was one of the many current Celtics players invited to Fenway Park to help celebrate the career of David Ortiz on Sunday. The No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft was left mesmerized.
Boston is a special city for rookies. A city of tradition and championships, any player starting a professional career has much to be inspired by. For Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown, attending Fenway Park to honor David Ortiz was an unreal, yet inspiring moment.
"“It felt like a movie,” Brown said before practice Monday via Masslive. “Being on the field – I’ve never been on a baseball field to that capacity before. And just to see David Ortiz up close, it was kind of like a movie.”"
Brown will soon get accustomed to the Boston sports scene, but can already tell what kind of city he will be playing in. Seeing the way fans and former players treated Ortiz and celebrated his legacy, Brown said he hopes to one day earn that same kind of following and leave his mark on this city.
"“It was surreal,” Brown added. “To see the amount of love that he got from the stadium and things like that, he’s a celebrity. People love David Ortiz. And I want to be loved in the same type of light one day.”"
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Ortiz wasn’t always Big Papi in Boston. In fact, like Brown, he had to win fans over. He did it with clutch performances and a leadership that extended beyond the team. Brown hopes to accomplish the same and his journey starts Tuesday night as the Celtics open their preseason schedule against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although it is just the preseason, Brown is ready to go and can’t wait to start his NBA career.
"“Every game is important, whether it’s in the preseason or the regular season,” said Brown.Next: Boston Bruins Players David Krecji And Torey Krug Injury Reports"
With that approach, Jaylen Brown may very well become the kind of sports icon David Ortiz became in the city of champions…a city called Boston.