While the Boston Red Sox are still in the MLB playoffs, Red Sox legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz has received numerous accolades celebrating the end of his much-acclaimed career in Boston. To add to the list, Freeport, Maine-based L.L. Bean created limited edition tote bags made from the rain tarps used at Fenway Park for the last three seasons.
According to a press release, the bags are available in L.L. Bean stores in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut. Thirty-four percent of the proceeds from the bags will go to ward the David Ortiz Children’s Fund which helps children in New England and the Dominican Republic gain access to pediatric services.
“It’s really special to me that businesses in New England are coming up with ways to support the David Ortiz Children’s Fund during my final season,” Ortiz said in the press release. “L.L. Bean and my team have shared a great relationship over the years, and I’m happy to be a part of it through this project.”
“Considering our long-standing partnership with the Red Sox, we wanted to celebrate Big Papi’s retirement and his extraordinary career in a way that was uniquely L.L. Bean,” Chris Semanyshyn, partnership marketing manager for L.L. Bean, said in the press release. “And what better way to do that than by honoring a legend with one of our most iconic products, our Boat and Tote Bag? Made from up cycled rain delay tarps used on the field at Fenway Park, we’re giving L.L. bean and Red Sox fans the chance to own a piece of history from two of New England’s most beloved icons. So congratulations, Big Papi, and thanks for all of the years of thrilling baseball you’ve provided for countless fans, as well as your contributions to the community.”
This isn’t the first time L.L. Bean has repurposed Fenway Park’s rain tarps. The company used the tarp from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons to create a bag commemorating the 100th anniversary of the company and the stadium. It also created bags from the same tarp to benefit the One Fund Boston after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and created one in 2014 to celebrate the team’s World Series victory in 2013.
