Career Timeline of David Ortiz: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of David Ortiz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

David Ortiz, known as "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former MLB designated hitter and first baseman who played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), mainly with the Boston Red Sox. After a modest start with the Minnesota Twins, he became a key player for the Red Sox, helping them break their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and win further championships in 2007 and 2013. He was named World Series MVP in 2013. In his first five seasons with the Red Sox, he averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs. He also finished in the top five in AL MVP voting for five consecutive years.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1931: Historical Comparison

In 2004, Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were compared to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig who hit back-to-back home runs for the Yankees in 1931, highlighting their exceptional performance as a duo, hitting back-to-back home runs six times.

1938: Tying Jimmie Foxx's Record

In 2006, Ortiz tied Jimmie Foxx's single season Red Sox home run record of 50, which was set in 1938.

November 28, 1992: Signed by Seattle Mariners

On November 28, 1992, just 10 days after his 17th birthday, David Ortiz was signed by the Seattle Mariners, who listed him as "David Arias".

1994: Professional Debut

In 1994, David Ortiz made his professional debut for the Seattle Mariners of the Arizona League, batting .246 with two home runs and 20 RBI.

1995: Improved Performance

By 1995, David Ortiz improved his stats to .332 with four home runs and 37 RBI.

September 13, 1996: Traded to Minnesota Twins

On September 13, 1996, David Ortiz was traded to the Minnesota Twins as the player to be named later to complete an earlier transaction for Dave Hollins, and changed his listed name.

1996: Promotion to Single-A and Recognition

In 1996, David Ortiz was promoted to the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, establishing himself as one of the Mariners' best hitting prospects and earning recognition from Baseball America.

September 2, 1997: MLB Debut for Twins

On September 2, 1997, David Ortiz made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins. He played in 15 games in September and hit his first major league home run on September 14.

1997: MLB Debut

In 1997, David Ortiz began his 20-season career in Major League Baseball.

1997: Rapid Advancement Through Twins System

In 1997, David Ortiz quickly progressed through the Twins system, advancing from High-A to Triple-A, combining to hit .317 with 31 home runs and 124 RBI, earning a September call-up to the Twins' MLB club.

1998: Rookie Season with the Twins

In 1998, David Ortiz entered the season aiming to be the regular first baseman, but his playing style clashed with manager Tom Kelly's approach. He fractured his wrist in May but finished the season with a .277 average, nine home runs, and 46 RBI in 86 games.

1999: Sent Down to Triple-A

In 1999, after a tough spring training, David Ortiz was sent down to the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz despite a strong performance in the minor leagues, later earning a September call-up but struggling in his return.

June 2000: Established as MLB Regular

By June 2000, David Ortiz established himself as a regular in MLB, primarily as a designated hitter. On June 9, he hit his first MLB home run in over a year, and on September 7, he hit his first major league grand slam.

2001: Injury and Frustrations

David Ortiz started the 2001 season strong, but a wrist fracture landed him on the disabled list. He finished the year with a .234 average, and the Twins had their first winning season since 1992.

2002: Death of his Mother and Career Best Season

In 2002, David Ortiz faced the death of his mother, but he prepared hard for the season. He had a tale of two seasons, but after the All-Star break, he turned in one of the better second halves in baseball. He finished with career bests in home runs and RBI, and he hit his first career walk-off home run. The Twins qualified for the postseason.

2003: 2003 Postseason Performance

During the 2003 postseason, David Ortiz struggled in the ALDS until Game 4, where he hit a two-run double. In Game 1 of the ALCS, Ortiz hit his first career postseason home run, finishing with two home runs and 6 RBI in the ALCS. The Red Sox lost the series on Aaron Boone's walk-off home run.

2003: Free Agency Since Twins Release

In 2011, Ortiz was headed for free agency for the first time since being released by the Twins in 2003.

2003: Release from the Twins

In December 2003, the Twins released David Ortiz as a cost-cutting move, despite his career year. He hit 58 home runs and had 238 RBI in 455 games with the Twins.

2004: Clinching AL Division Series

During the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz had a walk-off home run that clinched the AL Division Series.

2004: Salary Arbitration Agreement

In 2004, David Ortiz and the Red Sox agreed on a $4.6 million salary, avoiding arbitration. Ortiz and his agent initially requested $5 million, while the Red Sox countered with $4.2 million, ultimately settling in the middle.

2004: Postseason Performance in 2004

In 2004, David Ortiz batted .289 in 85 postseason games, including 3 World Series (2004,'07,'13), with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, 59 walks, .404 on-base percentage, .543 slugging percentage, and .947 on-base plus slugging percentage.

2004: World Series Championship

In 2004, David Ortiz played a leading role in ending the Boston Red Sox's 86-year World Series championship drought.

2004: Outstanding Season and Contract Extension

In 2004, Ortiz continued his strong performance, hitting his 100th career home run, signing a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the Red Sox, being named an All-Star, and finishing the season with impressive statistics. Ortiz was suspended for three games in July due to an on-field incident. He ended the 2004 season with 41 home runs and 139 RBIs, batting .301.

2004: Postseason Heroics and World Series Championship

In the 2004 postseason, Ortiz delivered multiple game-winning hits, including a series-winning home run in the AL Division Series and crucial hits in the AL Championship Series, earning him the AL Championship Series MVP award. He also contributed significantly to the Red Sox's World Series victory against the St. Louis Cardinals, ending the 'Curse of the Bambino'.

2005: Career-High Season

In 2005, Ortiz achieved career highs with 47 home runs and 148 RBIs, along with a .300 batting average and 1.001 OPS. He had several late-inning heroics, earning him the title of "the greatest clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox." He was an All-Star, won the Silver Slugger Award and Hank Aaron Award in 2005.

2006: Single-Season Home Run Record

In 2006, David Ortiz set the Boston Red Sox's single-season record of 54 home runs.

2006: Contract Extension and Record-Breaking Season

On April 10, 2006, Ortiz signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Red Sox. He had a record-breaking season, hitting 54 home runs, breaking Jimmie Foxx's single season Red Sox home run record. He finished the 2006 season leading the AL in home runs and RBIs.

April 2007: Reebok Debuts Big Papi Cleat

In April 2007, Reebok debuted the Big Papi 10M Mid Baseball cleat, which Ortiz first used during the 2007 MLB All Star Game in San Francisco, California.

2007: Second World Series Championship

In 2007, David Ortiz won his second World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox.

2007: Founds David Ortiz Children's Fund

In 2007, Ortiz founded the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support various causes and help children in Boston, the Dominican Republic, and beyond.

2007: Key Role in World Series Title

In 2007, Ortiz played a crucial role in leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series title. During the regular season, he achieved a career-best .332 batting average, along with 35 home runs and 117 RBIs. He was an All-Star for the fourth consecutive season and won the Silver Slugger at DH as the Red Sox won the AL East.

2007: Last time playing first base

In 2009, Ortiz played first base for the first time since the 2007 season.

2007: Continued Clutch Hitting in Postseason

In the 2007 postseason, Ortiz maintained his clutch hitting, batting .714 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the Division Series and contributing significantly to the Red Sox's World Series victory against the Colorado Rockies.

2008: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2008, Ortiz had a slow start due to a wrist injury, playing in 109 games and finishing with 23 home runs and 89 RBI. Despite his struggles, Ortiz was named to his fifth All-Star team.

2008: Charity Wine Label

In 2008, Ortiz's likeness was used on a charity wine label called Vintage Papi, with proceeds going to the Children's Fund.

October 2009: Ortiz Opens Nightclub

In October 2009, Ortiz opened a nightclub called "Forty-Forty" in his native Dominican Republic.

2009: Sluggish Start and Record-Breaking DH Home Runs

In 2009, Ortiz had a slow start, but later broke out of his slump, hitting his 300th career home run. He also broke Frank Thomas's record for most home runs as a designated hitter with 270, ending the 2009 season with a .238 average, 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. Ortiz also played first base for the first time since 2007.

2010: All-Star Resurgence

In 2010, Ortiz had a slow start but rebounded with a strong May, finishing the year with .270, 32 home runs, and 102 RBI. He won the Home Run Derby contest at the All-Star Game in 2010. The Red Sox announced that they would pick up the $12.5 million team option on his contract for 2011.

2011: Milestones and Awards

In 2011, Ortiz set a record for RBI by a designated hitter with 1,004 and became the fifth player to hit 300 home runs as a Red Sox player. He was suspended for four games due to a brawl, made his seventh All-Star Team, earned his fifth Silver Slugger Award, and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

2011: Contract Option Picked Up

The Red Sox picked up the $12.5 million team option on David Ortiz's contract for the 2011 season.

2012: 400th Career Home Run and Achilles Injury

In 2012, Ortiz started strong, hitting .405 in the first month. He hit his 400th career home run on July 4. However, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury on July 16, leading to time on the DL and impacting the Red Sox's season. He ended the 2012 season with 23 home runs, 60 RBI and a .318 batting average.

2012: Salary Arbitration Agreement

On December 7, 2011, Ortiz accepted the Red Sox offer of salary arbitration for the 2012 season, and the two sides agreed to a $14.575 million figure.

2013: Third World Series Championship and MVP Award

In 2013, David Ortiz won his third World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.

2013: Return and Strong Season

In 2013, Ortiz rebounded, guiding the Red Sox to a first-place finish in the AL East. He hit 30 home runs, had 103 RBI, and batted .309 in the regular season. He reached several career milestones, including his 500th career double and his 2,000th career hit in 2013. Ortiz became the all-time leader for hits by a DH with 1,689.

March 23, 2014: Contract Extension

On March 23, 2014, Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season with the Red Sox. The extension also included two team option years to potentially keep him under contract through the 2017 season.

November 18, 2015: Retirement Announcement

On November 18, 2015, which was his 40th birthday, David Ortiz announced via The Players' Tribune that he would retire after the 2016 season.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

In 2015, Ortiz had a strong season, hitting 37 home runs and achieving 108 RBIs with a .273 batting average. He ranked among the top 10 in the American League for both home runs and RBIs, marking the eighth time he accomplished this feat in his career during the 2015 season.

2015: Contract Extension Announced

On March 23, 2014, Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season with the Red Sox.

2016: Eligibility for Hall of Fame

In 2016, David Ortiz played his last MLB game, which made him eligible to appear on the 2022 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2016: Retirement from MLB

In 2016, David Ortiz retired from Major League Baseball after playing for 20 seasons.

2016: Hank Aaron Award and Esurance MLB Award

In 2016, David Ortiz won his second Hank Aaron Award as the outstanding offensive player in the American League. He also received the 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award for Best Hitter, marking his third time winning this award. In addition, he finished sixth in the voting for AL MVP in 2016.

2016: Joins UNICEF Kid Power

In 2016, Ortiz joined UNICEF Kid Power as a brand ambassador Kid Power Champion for a global mission in Burkina Faso.

2016: Final Season Performance

In 2016, his final season, Ortiz achieved remarkable statistics, hitting 38 home runs, achieving 127 RBIs and batting .315. He achieved a top-10 ranking in the American League for both home runs and RBIs for the ninth time in his career. Ortiz also led the AL and MLB with a 1.021 OPS, .620 slugging percentage, 87 extra base hits and 48 doubles. He had the highest percentage of hard-hit batted balls in the majors (45.9%) and the highest ISO (Isolated Power) of all MLB players in 2016, at .305.

October 2017: Joins MLB on Fox

In October 2017, David Ortiz joined MLB on Fox as a part-time sports analyst for the coverage of the 2017 World Series.

2017: Roast Raises Funds for Children's Fund

In 2017, a roast of Ortiz raised $335,000 for his Children's Fund.

2017: Potential Contract End

On March 23, 2014, Ortiz's contract extension included two team option years to potentially keep him under contract with the Red Sox through the 2017 season.

2018: Hosts Podcast

In 2018, Ortiz co-hosted a podcast series, "David Ortiz: The Big Papi Story" with Michael Chiklis, comprising four episodes discussing his life and career.

June 2019: Returns to MLB on Fox Full-Time

In late 2019, following the June 2019 shootings, Ortiz returned to MLB on Fox as a full-time studio analyst.

November 22, 2021: Ortiz on Hall of Fame Ballot

On November 22, 2021, David Ortiz was included on the 2022 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, making him eligible for induction. The ballot also included Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, and Sammy Sosa.

January 25, 2022: Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame

On January 25, 2022, Ortiz was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 77.9% of the vote, being the only player voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He was formally enshrined on July 24, 2022.