Though he’s been showered in boos during his trip to New York, Alex Rodriguez says Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is loved by all. In fact, Rodriguez went as far as to compare Ortiz to one of the most beloved basketball players in history.

“I came up watching Larry Bird and Magic Johnson,” Rodriguez told ESPN’s Andrew Marchand. “To me, in many ways, he is our version of Magic Johnson. He is loved by everyone, respected by all. He is a large voice in our game and is one of the most prolific clutch hitters in the history of the game. He has been the centerpiece of three world championships. I can’t say enough great things about him.”

A-Rod and Ortiz, both 40-years-old, are the final remaining players from what was once a heated rivalry during the 2000’s. They recently spoke for the first time in more than two years this March, after Rodriguez’s attorney accused Ortiz of using PEDs and severed the relationship between the two.

Rodriguez’s comments come a couple of days after Ortiz was ejected at the end of a 3–2 loss, bringing Yankee Stadium to a loud roar.

– Kenny Ducey