First of all, I want to thank God for giving me a second opportunity in my life to be here with all of you

DAVID Ortiz makes his first public appearance since being shot three months ago. AFP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Batting legend David Ortiz threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Monday night’s Boston Red Sox game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park stadium.

This was Ortiz’s first public appearance since being shot three months ago in his native Dominican Republic.

Ortiz came out of the dugout to a standing ovation, then delivered the pitch to former teammate Jason Varitek.

“First of all, I want to thank God for giving me a second opportunity in my life to be here with all of you,” Ortiz said.

“I want to thank the Red Sox, my real family. They always have been there for me, supporting me; they were aware what happened to me. And they were the first ones there to support me.”

“Thank you very much, Red Sox family. I want to thank all of you for all the prayers; all of them came home. I really appreciate — thank you very much.”

The Red Sox failed to win for Ortiz, going down 5-0 after being outhit 12-7.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox said a search for Dave Dombrowski’s replacement would begin immediately. The club fired the president of baseball operations on Sunday.

Dombrowski’s firing means that vice president Raquel Ferreira will take on a bigger role with the team.

Assistant general managers Brian O’Halloran, Eddie Romero and Zack Scott will lead the operations department.