As the sellout crowd cheered, Ortiz threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches along with Boston sports legends Bill Russell, Bobby Orr and Ty Law. Ortiz and Law helped the 82-year-old Russell make his way out to the front of the mound.

The Red Sox used the occasion of their home opener to begin commemorating the final season of David Ortiz.

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So many Boston legends. pic.twitter.com/DjABo3Stem — MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 11, 2016

Then Ortiz was joined on the field by former teammates Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield to announce “Play Ball.”

In what was a surprise to Ortiz, his 15-year-old daughter Alex performed the National Anthem after the Red Sox and Orioles players were introduced. Ortiz came over and hugged her afterward.


Mayor Martin J. Walsh was seated with Red Sox executives for the ceremony.

Sox manager John Farrell received a loud ovation from the crowd in his first game back at Fenway Park after overcoming lymphoma. The biggest cheers went to Ortiz.

Only Pablo Sandoval was booed by the crowd.

Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.