The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees is legendary, a fierce feud steeped in history and fueled by passionate fans. In recent years, however, an unlikely camaraderie has developed between former adversaries David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. Yet, beneath the surface of this newfound friendship, a playful torment simmers, particularly when the Yankees excel on the field.

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Ortiz candidly revealed the “torture” he endures working alongside Jeter and Rodriguez on FOX’s MLB coverage. With a sigh, Big Papi confessed, “Yeah. It’s hard… I gotta deal with those two, man. It’s a whole month of being tortured, to be honest.”

David Ortiz’s playful exasperation stemmed from the Bombers’ recent successes. Meyers acknowledged, “Let’s be honest, the Yankees are not a bad baseball team right now.” Ortiz, ever the competitor, reluctantly agreed, “No. They’re good. They’re a really good baseball team.” The anticipation of facing his former rivals at Yankee Stadium for their first show of the year only intensified Ortiz’s playful dread.

He declared, “So, you know, they’re going to be all over me, so. But I’m ready though. I’m ready, I’m coming… Just wait for Papi!” However, in an exclusive interview by the PEOPLE from October 2023, a different side of this dynamic was seen. 

David Ortiz’s contentment in retirement

Ortiz acknowledged the respect and camaraderie he shares with Jeter and Rodriguez, stating, “We all have some good days [when] we played, but now our job is basically, pass the torch on. And I know these guys forever, so we used to hate each other, but now we’re family.” Big Papi, known for his playful nature, even joked, “Sometimes I feel like I want to whoop this guy right here. I let him fly. I let him fly.”

The trio’s on-air chemistry further underscores the idea that these guys are still part of a team, despite their past rivalries. Jeter, the rookie among the group, humorously lamented having to relive the Yankees’ epic loss in the 2004 ALCS, in which David Ortiz and the Red Sox staged an improbable comeback. Ortiz expressed his contentment with life after baseball, stating, “I don’t miss playing at all. I mean, those moments, they were very special. It was all about winning. We played to win. We were lucky enough to have a long career.”

David Ortiz’s “Month of Torture” serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, a feud that transcends generations and continues to captivate fans worldwide, while also highlighting the unique bond that can develop between former adversaries, a bond forged through competition, respect, and a shared passion for the game of baseball.