NEW YORK -- Playing in the Bronx one last time, Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz was given a 30-second standing ovation at Yankee Stadium instead of the usual boos.
There were many fans in Red Sox colors in Thursday night's crowd, which chanted his nickname "Pa-pi! Pa-pi!" Only a smattering of booing could be heard.
Ortiz struck out in the second inning against CC Sabathia, dropping to 0 for 10 in the three-game series and hitless in his last 14 at-bats against the Yankees. Ortiz walked in the fourth and was replaced by pinch runner Brock Holt, then received another ovation as he jogged to the Red Sox dugout. Ortiz pointed to the Yankees dugout in thanks as he headed to the third-base side.
Hitting .315 with 37 homers and 124 RBI, the 40-year-old designated hitter is having among the greatest final seasons in big league history.
During a pregame ceremony that lasted about 5 minutes, Ortiz was presented an oil painting of himself and a leather-bound book with handwritten letters from current and former Yankees. The Red Sox had honored a pair of Yankees greats before their Fenway Park finales, Mariano Rivera in 2013 and Derek Jeter the following year.
"I know he's caused a lot of heartache to us, but I'm sure the Red Sox fans would say that Jeter and Mo caused a lot of heartache, as well," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said earlier. "I know at times it becomes a bitter rivalry, but this guy has done a lot of special things in the game and he's meant a ton to that organization. He's meant a ton to the city of Boston."
NFL extends ban
of Cowboy defender
FRISCO, Texas -- Randy Gregory has been suspended 10 games by the NFL on top of the four-game ban the Dallas defensive end was already serving for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
The announcement Thursday was expected after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Gregory had withdrawn his appeal.
Gregory won't be eligible until Week 16, before Dallas' Monday-night game against Detroit on Dec. 26.
The second-year player from Nebraska slid to the Cowboys at the end of the second round in the 2015 draft after testing positive for marijuana at the NFL combine. According to the labor agreement, four positive marijuana tests can lead to a 10-game suspension.
The 23-year-old Gregory rejoined the team this month after spending time in rehab.
Super Bowl halftime
features Lady Gaga
NEW YORK -- It's official: Lady Gaga will headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
The NFL and Pepsi announced Thursday that the pop star will take the stage Feb. 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Gaga sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl this year in Santa Clara, Calif. Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Coldplay headlined the halftime show.
Gaga will release a new album, "Joanne," on Oct. 21. The Grammy winner's hits include "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," "Born This Way" and "Applause."
Fox will broadcast the Super Bowl.
Sports on 09/30/2016