Retiring Red Sox slugger David Ortiz slams Donald Trump on his way out

Legendary Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has never talked about his political views during his long career, but it seems Donald Trump's rhetoric about immigrants has forced him to take a stand.

Talking with USA Today, the man known in Boston as "Big Papi" explained why he's been alarmed by Trump's assertion that Mexico is intentionally sending drug dealers and rapists into the United States.

"When you speak like that about [immigrants], it’s a slap in the face,” Ortiz told the publication. “I walk around sometimes, and I see Mexican people trying to earn a living in an honest way. And to hear somebody make those kinds of comments, it hits you. I think as Latin people we deserve better. Things have gotten much better in that regard. … As Latin people we deserve respect, no matter where you’re from. And especially our Mexican brothers, who come here willing to do all the dirty work."

Ortiz, who hails from the Dominican Republic, defended the roles that immigrants have played in making America great.

"Latin people here in the United States are the spark plug of the country’s economy," he said. "Whoever opposes that is going to lose. And not just Latin people but immigrants. I’m talking about people who come from Africa, from Asia, other places. All those people come here with one goal, to realize the American dream, and you have to include them in our group."

Check out the full interview at this link.