SPRINGFIELD – In 2015, Springfield was named the “best comeback city” at the Globies. This year, the city will welcome a man who knows a thing or two about comebacks.

Representing the biggest star to ever make an appearance at a Springfield Thunderbirds game – and perhaps at any Springfield hockey game – Red Sox legend David Ortiz will appear at the MassMutual Center during the team’s Nov. 11 game against the Laval Rocket.

“It’s really exciting. David Ortiz is a legend in Massachusetts and to a number of people here in Western Massachusetts,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said during the press conference announcing the appearance.

Ortiz will participate in a pregame puck drop ceremony and will be on the ice for entertainment and activities during the first intermission. Fans who arrive early will have the chance to receive a special edition Upper Deck David Ortiz card commemorating the evening.

“I’m very excited to visit my fans in Springfield and thank them for all of their love and support over the past 15 years,” Ortiz said in a statement released by the Thunderbirds.

Ortiz’s appearance is the latest in what has been a concerted effort by the team to engage a broader segment of the local community. With an augmented focus on community outreach and providing affordable entertainment options in their first season, the Thunderbirds hosted an Opening Night Block Party also unveiled the return of free parking in the Civic Center Garage, the launch of its Friday Night Concert Series on the MassMutual Center concourse and new food and beverage promotions such as $1 popcorn, hot dogs and soda on Friday nights.

“This is what we’re all about. We’re not your average hockey in the American Hockey League,” Thunderbirds Managing Partner Paul Picknelly said. “We’re the Springfield Thunderbirds and we’re proud to say that and we’re going to do things that are better than the city of Springfield has ever seen in ice hockey before.”

The Thunderbirds will again host the Opening Night Block Party on Oct. 14 and free parking and the concert series will also return. Friday concession discounts will take a different form with $3 Coors Light, $2 hot dogs, $1 soda on Friday night.

“There’s going to be plenty of big nights here for the Springfield Thunderbirds,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

Special appearances and promotions are part and parcel of minor league sports nationwide and Springfield has been no exception.

Springfield hockey teams have hosted a number of celebrities over the years. Among their offerings during their inaugural season, the Thunderbirds hosted professional wrestler “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and a charity hockey game featuring a Boston Bruins Alumni team. Previous teams have hosted professional athletes including former New England Patriots Jerod Mayo and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, boxer “Irish” Micky Ward and former Boston Bruin Gregory Campbell.

A figure of Ortiz’s caliber, however, is a rarity.

“We wanted to raise the bar and take it to the next level,” Costa said, crediting Vice President of Corporate Sales and team ownership for their assistance in making the promotion a reality.

Costa said Ortiz would not be available for autographs due to his popularity and the team’s desire to grant as many people the opportunity to see and hear him as possible.

However, the team is offering the Papi VIP Pack for sale, which includes a ticket to the game on Nov. 11, access to a pre-game VIP meet-and-greet featuring photo with David Ortiz, a commemorative puck and a cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres. No “selfies” or autographs will be permitted at the meet-and-greet.

The Thunderbirds are currently also selling ticket packages that include two tickets to Opening Night on Oct. 14, two tickets to David Ortiz , two additional ticket vouchers redeemable at any game during the 2017-18 season  and a commemorative puck.

Full details are available at www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

A David Ortiz bobblehead night will follow on Feb. 17.