"Are we in a funeral already?" - David Ortiz calls out Yankees for poor body language in World Series Game 3 loss to Dodgers
Hall of Famer David Ortiz launched a sharp critique of the New York Yankees for the poor body language of the players. He compared the atmosphere inside the stadium to a funeral during the 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the World Series. The Yankees are just one defeat away from being swept in the World Series unless they are able to beat the Dodgers on Tuesday evening.
David Ortiz played 20 seasons in the major leagues and finished his career with over 100 extra-base hits, including 541 home runs. The 46-year-old spent 14 years with the Boston Red Sox, earning ten All-Star selections and three World Series rings with the team. Ortiz is regarded as one of the greatest performers in MLB playoff history, with 17 home runs in nine postseason appearances.
Presently, David Ortiz is working as a part of the televison coverage for the World Series along with former New York Yankees greats Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. He spoke to Fox Sports host Kevin Burkhardt after the Yankees defeat at home turf on Monday night.
"Being at home, you have to talk about the body language," Ortiz said. "Even when Fat Joe came out, the body language from the fans was like damn! I was like, What's going on here?! Are we in a funeral already?!
"Your body language has to be there all the way to the last out," he added. "Even when the home run was hit [by Alex Verdugo], they weren't even celebrating."
The Yankees are now down 3-0 in the World Series, and so far, no team has managed to clinch the Fall Classic after losing the opening three games.
You have to come with every single weapon you have tomorrow: David Ortiz
Incidentally, the Los Angeles Dodgers were the last team to sweep the New York Yankees in the World Series. They would end up with the same fate for the first time since 1963 unless they can win Game 4 at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. Nevertheless, David Ortiz believes the Yankees will be ready to throw all their might at the Dodgers to earn the victory and give the team a lifeline.
"From the very beginning of the game, you are going to see everybody with their spikes on," Ortiz said. "It doesn't matter if you are a starter or a bullpen guy.
"You are against the wall," he added. "You have to come with every single weapon you have tomorrow. To leave every pitch, every inning, and try to win tomorrow."
The 2004 Boston Red Sox are the only team in postseason history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the opening three encounters. The Red Sox came from three games behind to beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series, with David Ortiz being named the MVP.