David Ortiz is a legendary slugger whose swing has made him an iconic part of the national pastime. But it was not until yesterday that the Dominican-born star of the Red Sox could call himself a US citizen.

Ortiz joined 226 immigrants from 57 countries as they raised their right hands and took the Oath of Citizenship at the John F. Kennedy Library in Dorchester.

“My whole family, kids, and everyone have been born here,” Ortiz, who was born in 1975 in Santo Domingo, told reporters afterward. “It’s a great country – proud to be here, now proud to be a part of it.”

Ortiz’s wife, American-born Tiffany, added: “It’s a big deal for him. It’s really important, and I’m really proud of him.”

When pressed by reporters, Ortiz did not endorse a presidential candidate.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation held a private lunch before the ceremony in honor of Ortiz, said Brent Carney, spokesman for the library. On the other side of the building, the crowd of would-be citizens and their guests gathered without any indication that the Red Sox icon would soon fill the vacant, black chair marked “reserved’ in the center of the front row.

“Everyone was wondering who the seat was for,” said Chanthy Chea, 36 , of Lowell, who emigrated from Cambodia and became a US citizen yesterday. “And then I saw David Ortiz. I was like, ‘Oh jeez, it’s Big Papi.’ ”

Ortiz, 32, walked in the room to cheers and applause and sat with his wife and two of his children, Alexandra, 7, and D’Angelo, 3. His father, Americo Enrique Ortiz, and Larry Lucchino, Red Sox president, also attended.

“David Ortiz has been the heart and soul of Red Sox Nation for many years,” Lucchino said in a statement released by the team yesterday. “Today, we are also proud that he has become an official citizen of the American nation.”

John Shattuck , chief executive officer of the foundation, recognized Ortiz – who had donned dark sunglasses and a sharp suit – at the start of the ceremony, saying the slugger had “done more than almost anyone to help the people of Boston and the nation far beyond . . . especially when he steps up to the plate at Fenway.”

US District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who presided over the ceremony, spoke about the significance of the national anthem and the Sox.

“It happens before every Red Sox game at Fenway Park here in Boston,” Gorton said. “Just before the game starts, all of us are asked to stop what we are doing . . . even our heroes on the Red Sox, including the one on the disabled list who has led us to two world championships in the past four years.”

The cast Ortiz has worn since injuring his left wrist did not stop him from clutching a small American flag, which he tucked into his suit pocket before placing his right hand over his heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance from a small, blue note card. Teammate and close friend Manny Ramírez said the very same words four years ago, when he became a citizen.

Immigrants can apply for US citizenship after they have lived here legally for five years, or three years if they are already married to a US citizen. Applicants are required to speak, read, and write basic English; pass a test on US history and civics; have good moral character; and promise to adhere to the Constitution.

Shawn Saucier, US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman, said celebrities such as Ortiz do not receive special treatment.

Christopher Baxter can be reached at cbaxter@globe.com.

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