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, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former MLB designated hitter. He played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), primarily for the Boston Red Sox, after beginning with the Minnesota Twins. Ortiz was instrumental in ending the Red Sox's 86-year World Series drought in 2004, and also won championships in 2007 and 2013, earning the World Series MVP in 2013. In his initial years with the Red Sox, Ortiz averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs and setting a team record with 54 home runs in 2006, consistently placing high in AL MVP voting.

Sections (6)

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

November 28, 1992: Signing with the 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."

1992: Twins First Winning Season

In 2001, The Minnesota Twins had their first winning season since 1992.

1994: Professional Debut

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

1995: Improved Performance

By 1995, David Ortiz had improved his batting average to .332 with four home runs and 37 RBI while playing for the Seattle Mariners organization.

September 13, 1996: Trade to Minnesota Twins

On September 13, 1996, David Ortiz was traded to the Minnesota Twins as the player to be named later in a transaction for Dave Hollins. He requested to be listed as "David Ortiz" instead of "David Arias".

1996: Promotion to Single-A

In 1996, David Ortiz was promoted to the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a Mariners farm team, and established himself as one of the team's best hitting prospects, batting .322 with 18 home runs and 93 RBI.

September 2, 1997: MLB Debut

On September 2, 1997, David Ortiz made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins. He recorded his first major league hit on September 3 and hit his first major league home run on September 14 against the Texas Rangers.

1997: MLB Debut

In 1997, David Ortiz began his 20-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Minnesota Twins before joining the Boston Red Sox.

1997: Rapid Rise Through Twins System

In 1997, David Ortiz progressed rapidly through the Minnesota Twins system, playing at High-A Fort Myers Miracle, Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, and Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz, combining to hit .317 with 31 home runs and 124 RBI and earning a September call-up to the Twins' MLB club.

1998: Rookie Season

In 1998, David Ortiz aimed to be the regular first baseman for the Minnesota Twins, but after fracturing his wrist in May, he finished the season with a .277 batting average, nine home runs, and 46 RBI in 86 games.

1999: Sent Down to Triple-A

In 1999, David Ortiz was sent down to the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz after a tough spring training. Despite a strong minor league season, he struggled in a September call-up, striking out 12 times in 20 at-bats.

June 2000: Becoming an MLB Regular

By June 2000, David Ortiz established himself as an MLB regular with the Minnesota Twins. On June 9, 2000 he hit his first MLB home run in over a year against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2001: Season with the Twins

In 2001, David Ortiz started the season strong with the Twins but a wrist fracture landed him on the disabled list. He finished the year with a .234 average.

2002: Season of Highs and Lows

In 2002, David Ortiz battled knee injuries. After the All-Star break, he turned in one of the better second halves in baseball, batting .297 with 15 home runs and 42 RBI, finishing the season batting .272 with 20 home runs and 75 RBI. On August 16, he hit a memorable home run off Pedro Martínez. On September 25, he hit the first walk-off home run of his career, against the Cleveland Indians.

2003: Free Agency

Prior to 2011, David Ortiz had not headed for free agency since being released by the Twins in 2003.

2004: Postseason Walk-Off Home Runs

During the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz hit two career walk-off home runs, with the first clinching the AL Division Series.

2004: Salary Arbitration Agreement

In 2004, David Ortiz and the Red Sox agreed to a $4.6 million salary, avoiding arbitration. Ortiz's camp had requested $5 million, while the Red Sox countered with $4.2 million.

2004: All-Star Season and Team Record

In 2004, David Ortiz hit his 100th career home run, signed a two-year contract extension with the Red Sox, was named an All-Star, finished the season with 41 home runs and 139 RBIs, earned his first Silver Slugger award, and became part of the first AL teammate duo since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931 to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBIs, and bat .300.

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: Ortiz Postseason Performance

In 85 postseason games, including the 2004 World Series, David Ortiz batted .289 with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI.

2004: 2004 Postseason Heroics and World Series Win

In the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz hit multiple game-winning hits, including a series-winning home run in the AL Division Series, and key hits in the AL Championship Series against the Yankees, earning him AL Championship Series MVP honors. He also contributed to the Red Sox's World Series victory, ending the Curse of the Bambino. Ortiz batted .400 with five home runs and 23 RBI in the 2004 postseason.

2005: Career Highs and Clutch Performances

In 2005, David Ortiz set new career highs with 47 home runs and 148 RBIs. He had multiple game-winning hits throughout the season, earning him the title of "the greatest clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox" by the Red Sox ownership. Ortiz also won his first 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 Home Run Record

In 2006, David Ortiz signed a four-year contract extension with the Red Sox. He also hit his 200th career home run, tied Jimmie Foxx's single-season Red Sox home run record of 50, and broke the record by hitting his 51st home run. Ortiz finished the 2006 season with a career-high 54 home runs, setting a new Red Sox record.

April 2007: Reebok debuts Big Papi 10M Mid Baseball cleat

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

2007: Ortiz founds the David Ortiz Children's Fund

In 2007, David Ortiz established the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support various causes and aid children from Boston to the Dominican Republic.

2007: Previous First Base Play

In 2007, David Ortiz last played first base, a role he reprised during the 2009 season.

2007: Key Player in World Series Title

In 2007, David Ortiz played a crucial role in leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series title. He achieved career-best batting average of .332 during the regular season and was named an All-Star for the fourth consecutive season.

2007: Second World Series Championship

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

2007: Last MVP Vote

In 2007, was the last season David Ortiz garnered votes for AL MVP until a later season.

2007: Clutch Hitting in Postseason

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

2008: Ortiz allows his likeness to be used on a charity wine label

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

2008: Injury and All-Star Selection

In 2008, David Ortiz's performance was impacted by a wrist injury. Despite his struggles, Ortiz was named to his fifth All-Star team. The Red Sox were eliminated in the AL Championship Series.

October 2009: Ortiz opens nightclub

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

2009: Slump and Record-Breaking Home Run

In 2009, David Ortiz began the season with a slump but broke out of it in June. He hit his 300th career home run and broke the all-time record for home runs as a designated hitter. In 2009, David Ortiz also played first base, reprising a role he hadn't filled since 2007.

2010: All-Star Resurgence

In 2010, David Ortiz overcame a slow start to return to his All-Star form, finishing the year with 32 home runs and 102 RBI. He won the Home Run Derby contest at the All-Star Game. The Red Sox announced they would pick up the team option on his contract for 2011.

2011: Milestones and Suspension

In 2011, David Ortiz set the record for RBI by a designated hitter, hit his 300th home run as a member of the Red Sox, and was suspended for four games due to a brawl. Ortiz also won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

2011: Contract Option Exercised

The Red Sox decided to exercise the $12.5 million team option on David Ortiz's contract for the 2011 season, continuing his tenure with the team.

2012: 400th Career Home Run and Injury

In 2012, David Ortiz hit his 400th career home run and suffered an injury to his right Achilles tendon, which significantly impacted the Red Sox's performance for the remainder of the season.

2012: Salary Arbitration Agreement for 2012 Season

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

2013: Emotional Speech and Career Milestones

In 2013, David Ortiz delivered an emotional speech at Fenway Park after the Boston Marathon bombing, stating "This is our fucking city." He also reached his 500th career double and 2,000th career hit, and became the all-time leader for hits by a designated hitter. He also hit 30 home runs during the 2013 season.

2013: World Series MVP

In 2013, David Ortiz was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after winning a championship with the Boston Red Sox.

March 23, 2014: Contract Extension

On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season, with team options for 2016 and 2017. A game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 31, Ortiz was hit by a pitch which led to benches clearing and Ortiz shouting at David Price.

November 18, 2015: Ortiz announces retirement

On November 18, 2015, David Ortiz, on his 40th birthday, announced his plans to retire after the 2016 season, making the announcement on The Players' Tribune website.

2015: Ortiz hits 37 home runs and had 108 RBI

In 2015, David Ortiz had a productive season, hitting 37 home runs and recording 108 RBIs, while maintaining a .273 batting average. He also ranked among the top 10 players in the American League for both home runs and RBIs for the eighth time in his career.

2015: Contract Extension Season

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

2016: Ortiz joins UNICEF Kid Power as brand ambassador

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

2016: Ortiz hits 38 home runs in his final season

In 2016, during the final season of his MLB career, David Ortiz hit 38 home runs, setting a record for the most home runs by a player in their final season. He also recorded 127 RBIs and had a .315 batting average, finishing in the AL top 10 for both home runs and RBI for the ninth time in his career. Ortiz led both the AL and MLB with a 1.021 OPS and a .620 slugging percentage.

2016: Ortiz announces retirement

On November 18, 2015, David Ortiz announced he would retire following the 2016 season.

October 2017: Ortiz joins MLB on Fox as analyst

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 of Ortiz raises money for Children's Fund

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

2017: Potential Contract Year

The contract extension signed in 2014 included two team option years to potentially keep David Ortiz under contract with the Red Sox through the 2017 season.

2018: Ortiz hosts podcast

In 2018, David Ortiz hosted a podcast, David Ortiz: The Big Papi Story, alongside Michael Chiklis. The series had four episodes and discussed Ortiz's life and career.

June 2019: Ortiz joins MLB on Fox as analyst

In October 2017, David Ortiz joined MLB on Fox as a part-time sports analyst for the coverage of the 2017 World Series. He returned as a full-time studio analyst in late 2019 following the June 2019 shooting.

2021: Ortiz becomes a paid spokesperson for FTX

In 2021, David Ortiz became a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, alongside other high-profile athletes and celebrities.

July 2022: Ortiz launches "Papi Cannabis" line

In July 2022, David Ortiz launched his "Papi Cannabis" line of cannabis products in collaboration with Rev Brands, citing its benefits for relaxation, sleep, stress management, and physical healing.