Challenges in the Life of David Ortiz in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and David Ortiz faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

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.

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.

2003: Major League Baseball conducts survey testing

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to conduct survey testing to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004. The results of the survey testing were supposed to remain confidential.

2003: Doubts about the PED list

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association stated in 2003 that appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators didn't necessarily mean a player tested positive for PEDs. There were issues with the number of players, the lab's testing, and the legality of supplements potentially causing positive results.

2004: Major League Baseball implements permanent testing

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs after survey testing was conducted in 2003 to determine the extent of PED use among players.

2008: Offensive Numbers Drop

Between 2008 and 2012, David Ortiz experienced a decline in his offensive performance.

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.

July 30, 2009: Ortiz allegedly tests positive for PEDs

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that David Ortiz was among over 100 major league players allegedly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs during 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing. The testing was conducted to determine the extent of PED use before official testing began in 2004. Results were meant to be confidential, and no penalties were to be issued.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz denies steroid use at press conference

On August 8, 2009, David Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium, denying ever buying or using steroids. He suggested his positive test might be due to supplements and vitamins but could not identify which ones. He was accompanied by Michael Weiner, who explained the players union couldn't provide details due to a court-ordered seal.

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.

2012: Offensive Numbers Drop

Between 2008 and 2012, David Ortiz experienced a decline in his offensive performance.

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.

June 9, 2019: Ortiz shot in Dominican Republic

On June 9, 2019, David Ortiz was shot and severely wounded while at the Dial Bar and Lounge in East Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Authorities stated that Ortiz was "ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle" and shot him in the back. He underwent multiple surgeries and was released from the hospital on July 26.

May 21, 2020: Restraining order issued against Ortiz

On May 21, 2020, a restraining order was issued against David Ortiz by Fary Almanzar Fernandez, the mother of his oldest son. Ortiz was ordered to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone." According to Ortiz's former partner, he "intimidated and threatened" her.

November 2022: FTX files for bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which David Ortiz was a paid spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, resulting in billions of dollars in customer funds being wiped out. Ortiz, along with other spokespeople, is now facing a class-action lawsuit for promoting unregistered securities.