Big Papi's latest on-field contribution had nothing to do with home runs or RBIs.
Boston Red sox star David "Big Papi" Ortiz shared a tender moment with a small child during the National Anthem Thursday before the Sox took on the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium.
It all started innocently enough as the hulking, 6'4", 230-pound slugger was asked to pose for a photo with the child before the game started. As soon as Ortiz took ahold of the infant though, the National Anthem began to play, forcing Ortiz to hold on to the kid for the entirety of the song.
Despite the youngster's unfamiliarity with Ortiz, the baby snuggled up closer as The Star-Spangled Banner hit its crescendo.
The too-cute encounter couldn't have come at a better time to shine up Big Papi's image. Just weeks ago, Ortiz was fined $5,000 for destroying a dugout phone with a baseball bat. That incident created another great viral moment.
Check them both out below:
Papi's softer side:
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The Papi you want to avoid: