Jose Can You See? Papi Officially Becomes US Citizen

Red Sox slugger and Dominican Republic national hero David Ortiz yesterday officially became a United States citizen at the John F. Kennedy Library in Dorchester, MA. In a ceremony that included 227 immigrants, Ortiz raised his right hand and took the Oath of Citizenship. Big Papi has a lot of free time on his hands these days as he collects his hefty paycheck while healing his left wrist on the 15-day disabled list. When pressed by reporters, Ortiz did not discuss the finer points of citizenship. He did not endorse a presidential candidate or give an indication for whom he would be casting his ballot."My whole family, kids, and everyone have been born here," Ortiz said. "It's a great country, proud to be here, now proud to be a part of it." Ortiz's hot wife, Tiffany (pictured right), added: "It's a big deal for him. It's really important and I'm really proud of him." (RV99 Comment: What an overly exciting quote!) John Shattuck, CEO of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, recognized Ortiz at the start of the ceremony, saying that the slugger had "done more than almost anyone to help the people of Boston and the nation far beyond to realize our hopes and dreams and opportunities by what he does and who he is, especially when he steps up to the plate at Fenway." The BoSox hope this ceremony will improve Papi's 2008 performance, which has been well below par for the big fella who is currently batting .252 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI.