One of the most recognizable faces in baseball will lend his name to a new line of Cannabis products aimed at healing and achieving a better quality of life.
A 20-year career in the Major Leagues will lead to some wear and tear on the body. And that’s exactly what happened to Hall of Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Even though the vast majority of his time in MLB – six years with the Minnesota Twins and 14 years with the Boston Red Sox – came at designated hitter, there’s still plenty of bumps, bruises, aches and pains that come with the grind of a 162-game season.
Ortiz has long enjoyed a jovial, larger-than-life reputation. Now, he’s bringing that love of life to a new product line – pairing up with Rev Brands of Massachusetts to create his own Cannabis products.
The first strain Papi will unveil is called Sweet Sluggers, which should debut in late summer 2022. Following Sweet Sluggers, Ortiz and Rev will drop Bootylicious #4, Black Mamba #7, Lava Cake #7 and Motorbreath #15.
Athletes Embracing Cannabis
According to Ortiz, he discovered his affinity for Cannabis later in life. “Once I embraced the flow of the flower everything changed,” he explained in a statement. Regular pot use had a serious impact on his quality of life as well as his mental health.
“Cannabis has helped me relax, sleep better, manage stress and heal physically after a lifetime of playing ball, and I look forward to sharing Papi Cannabis and my personal journey to help people understand its benefits,” Ortiz said.
A number of (mostly retired) athletes have embraced Cannabis as advocates and even entrepreneurs – including former football players Ricky Williams, Calvin Johnson and Eugene Monroe, former basketball players Gary Payton, Matt Barnes, Al Harrington and the late Cliff Robinson, and former hockey player Riley Cote. However, baseball players have been slow to join the pot party.
Yet, David Ortiz appears to be the perfect ambassador to help lead baseball players into the burgeoning industry.
According to Rev Brands, the plan is to roll out Papi Cannabis in dispensaries throughout Massachusetts. Keep an eye out for more of his exclusive strains and products in Bay State retail locations near you this summer and fall.
