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, 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

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.

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: MLB Survey Drug Testing

In 2003, MLB conducted survey drug testing, the results of which later became a point of controversy.

2003: MLB and MLBPA Issue Statements on 2003 List

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association clarified that appearing on a list compiled by federal investigators did not necessarily indicate a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. They cited factors like discrepancies between the number of players on the list and positive specimens, questions about the lab's interpretation, and the possibility of legal supplements causing positive results.

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: Start of MLB Drug Testing Program

In 2004, MLB began its official drug testing program, and Commissioner Manfred noted that Ortiz has never tested positive under this program.

2004: Official Drug Testing Implementation

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs, following survey testing in 2003.

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.

2008: Offensive Decline

From 2008 to 2012, David Ortiz experienced a drop in his offensive numbers.

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.

July 30, 2009: Report of Alleged Positive Drug Test

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that Ortiz was among a group of major league players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during a 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing. The survey testing was agreed to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz Denies Steroid Use

On August 8, 2009, Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium to deny ever using steroids. He suggested that a positive test might have resulted from supplements and vitamins he was taking, though he couldn't recall which ones. He was accompanied by the general counsel of the Major League Baseball Players Association, Michael Weiner, who could not provide details due to a court-ordered seal on the seized list of players.

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.

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.

2012: Offensive Decline

From 2008 to 2012, David Ortiz experienced a drop in his offensive numbers.

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.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner Comments on Ortiz's Alleged Failed Test

On October 2, 2016, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said it was "entirely possible" Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003, stating the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy. Manfred added Ortiz had never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004, and Hall of Fame voters should not consider "leaks, rumors, innuendo and non-confirmed positive test results."

June 9, 2019: Ortiz Shot in Dominican Republic

On June 9, 2019, Ortiz was shot and severely wounded at the Dial Bar and Lounge in East Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He underwent multiple surgeries to repair damage to his intestines, colon, gallbladder, and liver. He was released from the hospital on July 26, after a third surgery.

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy, Ortiz Sued

In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Ortiz and other celebrity spokespeople for promoting unregistered securities.