David Ortiz has always been larger than life on the baseball field. From the huge home runs, the clutch hits, and the smile, everything lit up Fenway Park. But behind the Big Papi persona was a story that’s quietly rooted in family. And this week, that world was shaken by the loss of his father, Leo Ortiz. The man who has been there from day one. Long before the cameras, the crowd, and the bright lights.

For Ortiz, his father was not just a parent but his constant ride or die. From the Little League to the stage as huge as Major League Baseball, his father was there as a guiding hand. Offering advice, cheering the loudest, and reminding that success without humility is nothing.

The news of his passing just ripped through the baseball community, and it touched everyone. Some of them who were personally aware of the person Ortiz Sr. really was.

Pedro Martinez, Ortiz’s longtime friend and Dominican legend, put the loss into words in his Instagram story. He posted a picture of him, Ortiz, and Leo with the caption, “You were always there for your boy, a present father, friend, counselor… you fought like the warrior you were… Rest in peace, my dear Peñon.” It is the kind of tribute that carries love, warmth, and respect.

This gesture by Martinez also highlights one more thing—no matter what, some friendships are unshakable. Because just some months ago, Pedro was very publicly candid about how he thought Ortiz was getting slipped into the Rafael Devers saga. “Big Papi also made a mistake in spring training by speaking in front of the cameras about some of the things that he needed to tell Devers,” Martinez told Bleacher Report. “That should have been handled in-house… That was the first mistake from Big Papi.”

But it doesn’t mean that when they can’t see eye to eye on something, the friendships that were forged through the struggles and victories would disappear. So, he is now standing shoulder to shoulder with his longtime friend during what can be one of the most painful times of his life. Because Leo’s impact on his son really can’t show up in the stat sheet.

As a former ballplayer himself, Leo taught David Ortiz everything from patience to discipline. Ortiz’s heartfelt Instagram message said it best: “You were always there for your boy, a present father, friend, counselor… You fought like the warrior you were… Rest in peace, my dear Peñon.” Also, not just Pedro, but Congressman Adriano Espaillat sent his condolences: “We send our prayers, our respect, and our heartfelt embrace to David… May he rest in peace.”

David Ortiz’s family bids goodbye to their rock

The Ortiz family has lost its rock. David Ortiz lost his father, and his children lost a grandfather. While the baseball world mourns the man who gave us “Big Papi,” it is also the moment to remember the joy he brought to his own family. To his grandson and David Ortiz’s family, even his ex-wife, both of whom went to express themselves in this trying time.

On Instagram, Alez Ortiz went ahead to share photos of her grandpa. She wrote, “They say strong men raise weak ones, but you made my dad, my aunties, and uncles such strong people…” May you be at peace as God holds you in His comfort… If God permits, we will be together again in time.”

D’Angelo Ortiz followed with a hearty message, “My abuelo is one of the most important people to me in the world… I haven’t felt pain like this in a while… Love you forever.” Tiffany Ortiz, David Ortiz’s ex-wife, also posted a rest in peace message. But honestly, Sr. Ortiz lives through his son. David honors his father’s legacy by mentoring the youth and even helping uplift communities in need.

He has a foundation through which David provides life-saving care to children in the Dominican Republic and New England. He walks across homes with the same quiet strength as his father had. Américo “Leo” Ortiz’s strength hence lives through three generations, from David’s swing to D’Angelo’s tears and Alex’s wisdom. His legacy is far from dying.

The man who once skipped work to see his son hit a home run is silent, but not in the hearts of those who love and cherish him.