David Ortiz Addresses Alex Rodriguez Being His ‘Blood Enemy’; Explains Why He Prefers A-Rod Over Derek Jeter

The echoes of rivalry may fade, but the memories remain. Ask David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz, a former Boston slugger who has a complex relationship with former New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. In a candid interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Ortiz addressed the perception of these Yankees as “blood enemies,” revealing a brotherhood that transcended the intense Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry.

The trio reunited before the Texas Rangers took on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series last year. And looking at their camaraderie, you’d never know these three faced each other on the diamond in different jerseys multiple times in the 2000s. The most iconic? The 2004 ALCS of course, and the former Red Soxer wouldn’t let the two Yankees forget it anytime soon. In 2023, Jeter humorously lamented having to relive the Yankees’ epic loss to Ortiz’s Red Sox “every single day.”

Well, Boston did make an unthinkable comeback three games down in a best of seven setup, something that had never been done before. And then advanced to their first World Series since 1986. So boasting rights were more than guaranteed!

But two decades later? Ortiz considers himself “one of the good guys” because he doesn’t play anymore and neither does the Yankees duo. “No, those guys are my boys,” he declared to Seth Meyers, dispelling the notion of deep-seated animosity. In a PEOPLE exclusive interview, Ortiz candidly shared, “We used to hate each other, but now we’re family.”

David Ortiz’s playful jabs at Derek Jeter, such as jokingly wanting to “whoop this guy right here,” define their interactions. Interestingly, Ortiz’s remarks hint at a deeper bond with Rodriguez than Jeter. In the same PEOPLE interview, he recounted a seamless on-air exchange with A-Rod, likening it to their days on the field, “as if they were back on the field tossing the ball to one another.”

Rodriguez echoed something similar when he asked Ortiz in a separate interview, “How long have we been close? Let’s put it this way. I didn’t just know him before he was Big Papi. I knew him when he was David Arias.” Even during the height of the rivalry days, this unshakable duo considered each other good friends.

Ortiz later also recounted to Meyers how fans often express their surprise at his amiable nature, an unexpected affection, particularly from Yankee fans who once despised him. “I think I love you now, but I used to hate you really bad,” is the common perception from fans, per Ortiz.

Jeter hilariously highlighted something similar to Seth Meyers after he retired, reiterating the Curse of the Bambino being broken and the Red Sox winning that fateful year (2004). “I’m not happy you won, but you treat me a lot better,” the former captain laughed.

But where Big Papi is the funniest guy in the room, Captain Clutch doesn’t miss with his one liners.

Big Papi David Ortiz’s second act—embracing “adulthood” in life after baseball

Ortiz’s emphasis on the trio now being a “family” indicates a level of closeness and comfort that may transcend the typical workplace relationship. Reflecting on his baseball career, he stated, “I don’t miss playing at all.” He views his broadcasting role as a natural progression, comparing it to the transition from childhood to adulthood.

A sentiment echoed by Jeter’s playful interjection, “You’re an adult is what you’re saying.”

The trio’s on-air chemistry is evident in their ability to effortlessly tag-team interviews, as seen in their interaction with Astros star Yordan Alvarez. 

While Ortiz doesn’t explicitly state a preference for Rodriguez over Jeter, his words and actions offer subtle clues. His playful banter with Jeter, though affectionate, contrasts with the unspoken understanding he shares with A-Rod. In the grand scheme of all things baseball, the relationship between Ortiz, Rodriguez, and Jeter is but one thread. the game bringing together even the most unlikely of allies.