The 'other' star at Salem State
Former Red Sox Great David 'Big Papi' Ortiz stands with Lawrence resident and college baseball standout Brahiam Ortega after Ortega introduced Ortiz at Salem State University on Wednesday night. Photo provided by Salem State
It was about 10 a.m. yesterday, a little more than 12 hours after the most incredible night of Brahiam Ortega's life.
Ortega was delivering lunches to a Lawrence elementary school, which he does 6 a.m. 'til noon five days a week, one of his two jobs. The other is answering phones and checking people in at the Salem State University gymnasium.
Wednesday night, Ortega was introducing one of the most popular human beings in Boston the last two decades – David Ortiz.
The soon-to-be baseball Hall of Famer was part of Salem State's renowned speaker series. Ortiz did a Q&A with retired TV sportscaster Mike Lynch.
Ortega, a Salem State University senior baseball player, was chosen by school officials for the simple fact he is one of the most beloved student-athletes on campus.
Not only is he carrying a near-3.0 GPA into this, his senior year, but he is captain of the baseball team.
All while working two jobs.
"I'm still in shock," Ortega said on Thursday morning about introducing one of the most famous baseball players on the planet. "It was an unbelievable experience, one I'll never forget."
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