To the delight of riders, volunteers and spectators, Boston Red Sox star slugger David Ortiz made a guest appearance at the Wellesley Start of the Pan-Mass Challenge at Babson College. With a hand-made sign, that read Go Tiffany!, Ortiz was there to cheer on his wife, PMC rider Tiffany Ortiz.
David Ortiz came to support his wife, Tiffany, in the 2011 PMC
Ortiz, along with Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino, spoke to the 2,060 riders before they departed, thanking them for riding and wishing them a fun, safe ride. Tiffany Ortiz rides with Team 9, the Red Sox team named for legendary Ted Williams who was a great supporter of the Jimmy Fund.
Team 9 Captain Stacey Lucchino with Tiffany Ortiz at the starting line
The excited energy of the crowd could be felt as Andrew Garland sang the national anthem and Meredith Beaton-Starr sent the riders off, departing at 7 a.m.
Andrew Garland sings the National Anthem
The PMC Wellesley starts continues to grow year after year.
The crowd at the start
2011 PMC marks the 11th year Babson College has hosted a PMC start.
And they are off!
