BOSTON -- Big Papi is in the field.No, longtime Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hasnt decided to play a few more games of defense before he retires. Instead, groundskeeper David Mellor mowed Ortizs likeness into the center field grass for the three-time World Series champions final regular-season series at Fenway Park.The image showed Ortiz pointing to the sky with both hands, the way he did when he crossed the plate following one of his 540 career homers.Ortiz said before the game that he hadnt seen the tribute but he hoped to visit the top deck at the ballpark to get a better view.STILL CHASINGIn a wide-ranging discussion in the media interview room before the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ortiz also spoke about trying to play well for the rest of the regular-season and into the playoffs. Entering Friday nights game, the Red Sox were in contention for the top seed in the AL but also in danger of being the third-best division champion, which would force them to open the postseason on the road.The Red Sox won 11 straight games before being swept in New York this week, including a loss on Wednesday night -- the night they clinched the AL East for just the third time since 1995.We play to win, he said.PLUS ONEOrtiz came to bat the first time in the first inning, with two out and a runner on first.The rain-soaked crowd stood to give him an ovation before breaking into a Papi! chant.Ortiz fouled off the first four pitches from Blue Jays righty Marco Estrada, then watched one in the dirt as Brock Holt took second on the wild pitch. One more foul, and then Ortiz sliced a line drive single to left for career RBI No. 1,766 -- 22nd on baseballs all-time list.ON DECKThe rain-soaked pregame ceremony was brief, with bigger celebrations to come over the weekend.The Red Sox took the time to acknowledge his charitable work, showing pictures of many of those helped by the David Ortiz Childrens Fund, which provides medical care for kids in New England and the Dominican Republic. Ortiz was presented with a painting by artist Peter Max.The big celebration is planned for Sunday, which barring a rainout would be the final regular-season game for Ortiz. The team is expecting to bring onto the field many of Ortizs teammates from his three World Series championships.The traditional Play ball! was delivered by three teens in Ortiz jerseys, who also shouted it in Spanish.The start of the game was delayed 25 minutes.THERE IT GOES!Asked to pick his best moment in the ballpark, Ortiz smiled.I had a lot of good at-bats here at Fenway. Im not going to lie to you, he said as reporters chuckled. But Ive got to go back to 2004 and the walkoffs.No one needed any more explanation.Ortiz had game-winning, extra-inning hits in back-to-back playoff games against the New York Yankees in the ALCS in 04 as Boston become the first major league team to rally from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. The Red Sox went on to win the World Series -- their first in 86 years.They put us back on track, Ortiz said, turning specifically to a walkoff homer off Paul Quantrill in the 12th inning of Game 4. Thats the one at-bat I never forget about. I think about that at-bat like it was yesterday.So do Red Sox fans.NUMEROLOGYIn addition to the lawnmower art, the ballpark was decked out with banners featuring Ortizs silhouette on the left-field light stanchions.One said Thank You; the other had Ortizs No. 34.Its a likely preview of when Ortizs number is retired and hung from the facade in right field.The team also wore commemorative patches on their caps and on their sleeves.LINING UPIts not hard to see the seeds of the next great Red Sox teams on this years club.Although Ortiz is retiring at the age of 40, Mookie Betts is an MVP candidate and fellow twentysomethings Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts also figure to anchor the lineup for years to come.Ortiz also said he thinks the ballclub will find someone to take on the leadership role he has filled for most of his time in Boston.Comparing it to the military, he said it might not just be one person, but more like a clubhouse hierarchy that will keep things in order.Youve got the generals, and then youve got different levels that follow. Everything is kind of lined up, he said. What were seeing from all the kids, they walked into the organization and they saw what their elders are trying to do. When I watch batting practice, I see myself.PARTING GIFTSA day after making the final stop of his farewell tour at Yankee Stadium, Ortiz thanked his longtime rivals for their parting gifts. The team gave him a painting, along with a leather-bound book containing letters from members of the organization past and present.Very professional, Ortiz said. I really appreciate that all of the organizations took the time to honor me. .... I didnt expect anything, but everythings so beautiful.FAR, FAR AWAYOrtiz has climbed the leaderboards in several major categories this season, passing Mickey Mantle to move into 17th on the all-time list with 540 homers and sitting 10th heading into the weekend on the baseballs career list with 1,191 extra-base hits.But even with three more games to go, Ortiz conceded defeat on one of the franchises more celebrated records: Ted Williams 502-foot homer that is the longest ever hit at Fenway Park.The June 9, 1946, homer is commemorated by a single red seat in the right field bleachers.I have been trying for that for 15 years, and I havent gotten close to it. So I dont think its going to happen, he said with a laugh. I give up. Cheap Pittsburgh Pirates Gear . Los Angeles star goalie survived those perilous gymnastics with no problem, and he eventually backstopped the Kings to a skid-snapping win. 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"I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Cheap Pirates Jerseys Free Shipping . The Barrie Colts defenceman, who impressed many with his play for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, is the top-ranked skater in the February rankings. He has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 45 games with the Colts this season. LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Former Churchill Downs track president Steve Sexton, who guided the home of the Kentucky Derby through its most ambitious renovation project, died in Texas after a brief illness. He was 57.Churchill Downs parent company, Churchill Downs Inc., confirmed Sextons death Monday. Sexton was the 12th president in the tracks history, overseeing operations at the countrys most famous horse track from 2002 to 2009.Steve led Churchill Downs during key years of change for both the institution and the Kentucky Derby, said Bill Carstanjen, president and CEO of the Louisville-based parent company. Along with his deep experience in horse racing and race track management, Steve brought enthusiasm and boundless energy to everything he touched at Churchill Downs.Sexton guided Churchill Downs through a more than $120 million project that renovated the venerable tracks clubhouse and grandstand. The multi-year construction was completed just before the 2005 Derby. The track has undergone a series of upgrades since.Sextons predecessor as Churchill track president, Alex Waldrop,, credited Sexton with getting the project done on time and on budget.dddddddddddd Though the famed Twin Spires still loom over the most famous stretch of soil in horse racing, the renovation delivered a facelift to the old track and brought sports fans modern amenities.It has stood the test of time, and its been a major boon to the Kentucky Derby, to Churchills business and to the community of Louisville, said Waldrop, now president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.During his time at Churchill, Sexton also served as an executive vice president with the tracks parent company.Earlier in his career, Sexton was an executive at Santa Anita Park, Canterbury Downs, Golden Gate Fields, Thistledown, Lone Star Park and Arlington International Racecourse, according to media reports. 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