Baldacci sending Ortiz 41 lobsters

AUGUSTA – Noting that David Ortiz loves seafood but has never been to Maine, Gov. John Baldacci said Thursday he is sending the Boston Red Sox slugger 41 lobsters and an invitation to visit the state.

The lobsters – one for each of Big Papi’s home runs this season – will be delivered prior to the start of Friday’s game at Fenway Park against the Baltimore Orioles.

Baldacci’s invitation followed a Maine Day interview at Fenway last month in which Ortiz said he loves seafood but didn’t know much about Maine. He said he wasn’t sure how far away it was or even how to get there.

Along with the cooked Maine lobsters, Baldacci will include an AAA TripTik with directions from Fenway Park to the Maine coast.

The governor’s announcement noted that Ortiz will be getting “Certified Maine Lobsters.” Baldacci last week announced the introduction of special branding tags with that designation that are being affixed to crustaceans landed in the state.